Qtractor is a relatively new application, created and maintained by the same developers who are responsible for QjackCtl and Qsynth (both covered in other chapters of this Guide). It offers much more flexibility than Audacity, but is still easier to use than Ardour or Rosegarden. We therefore recommend Qtractor for users who are new to software-based DAWs.
Qtractor is easy to use, but also very powerful. Simplicity is what makes Qtractor useful. After the initial learning curve, you will be able to complete almost every audio or MIDI project with Qtractor. The Qtractor interface offers simple, intuitive, point-and-click interaction with clips, integrated control of JACK connections, MIDI control integration with external devices and other MIDI-aware software, and support for LADSPA, DSSI, native VSTi, and LV2 plug-ins.
Beginners and advanced users alike will enjoy Qtractor.
8.1. View Requirements and Install
8.1.1. Knowledge Requirements
Qtractor is easy to use, and has a similar user interface to other DAWs. We recommend you read
Section 6.4, “User Interface” if you have not used a DAW before.
8.1.2. Software Requirements
8.1.3. Hardware Requirements
You need an audio interface to use Qtractor. If you will record audio with Qtractor, you must have at least one microphone connected to your audio interface. You do not need a microphone to record audio signals from other JACK-aware programs like FluidSynth and SuperCollider.
8.1.4. Other Requirements
You need a MIDI synthesizer to use
Qtractor as a MIDI sequencer. You can use hardware-based and software-based synthesizers with Qtractor. We recommend using the software-based
FluidSynth MIDI synthesizer. See
Chapter 10, FluidSynth for information about
FluidSynth.
Follow these instructions to install Qtractor from the Fedora repository. This version of Qtractor does not use an MP3 library, and cannot process MP3 files. Third-party software repositories offer Qtractor with MP3 support.
Use PackageKit or Apper to install the qtractor package.
The proposed installation includes Qtractor and all of the libraries that Qtractor uses. Review the packages you must install, then continue to install Qtractor.
Qtractor configures itself automatically, but it may not use the configuration you want. We recommend you test Qtractor before you record, so you know whether Qtractor works.
