Qtractor Wiki How To - 16 Obtain a Multi Ghost Reference

How To - Contents

Qtractor doesn’t have a Multi Track Ghost selection. In the MIDI editor, only one “Ghost” track can be selected for reference. However, we can achieve this multi-reference functionality by creating a specific track for “ghost” and saving it in our startup template.

The methodology is simple:

  1. Copy the clips from the different tracks you want to track.
  2. Paste them into your “Ghost” reference track.

When we copy and paste MIDI clips in Qtractor, they are linked (cloned, symbolic). This means that any changes you make to the original clip will automatically be reflected in the copies. If you edit the clips on the original tracks, the reference clip is updated. Qtractor also allows you to overlay clips on a single track.

This approach is fast and intuitive. It has advantages over selecting “Ghost” tracks on multiple tracks:

  1. Visually cleaner editing: Show only the specific bars where reference is required, and not the entire track.
  2. More control: You can create custom tracking clips, unlinking and editing them. So you’re left with only the notes what do you want to follow.
  3. Multi-section references: Imagine you want to use a reference to the “Chorus” for your “Intro” section. A multi-track ghost track doesn’t allow you to do this. A dedicated Ghost Track does.

Conclusion

Qtractor doesn’t have a Multi Track Ghost selection. Is it really necessary? You can achieve much more by creating a “Ghost Track” in your starter template.