Free Open Source DAW Ardour 9.2 Released With MIDI Improvements and Critical Fixes

The team behind the open-source DAW Ardour has released version 9.2, a hotfix update designed to address bugs introduced in the 9.0 release while adding a handful of workflow enhancements for MIDI users. While primarily a stability update, the new version introduces features like MIDI note chasing and fast MIDI duplication, alongside numerous improvements across editing, recording, and session management.

The release follows earlier maintenance updates and aims to stabilize the platform after several last-minute changes affected the editor interface in the 9.0 rollout.

Editor bottom pane issues fixed

One of the most significant fixes in Ardour 9.2 addresses the editor’s bottom pane, which behaved incorrectly in version 9.0 after late development changes. The latest update restores the intended functionality when switching selections between tracks, regions, and other elements in the editor.

The update also resolves an issue affecting ruler visibility, which was initially corrected in version 9.1 but has now been fully stabilized in 9.2.

New MIDI features improve workflow

MIDI note chase

The new MIDI note chasing feature ensures that long notes begin playing correctly even when playback starts in the middle of the note. This is particularly useful for sustained elements such as pads or drones.

Users can enable or disable MIDI note chasing either globally in the preferences menu or on individual MIDI tracks via the track header menu. The feature currently does not function when looping if the loop start occurs mid-note, though developers say this behavior may be addressed in a future update.

MIDI note duplication

Ardour 9.2 also adds a quick MIDI duplication shortcut. Producers can now select notes and press Ctrl/Cmd + D to duplicate them immediately after the last note in the selection. When grid snapping is enabled, duplicated notes will align with the next available snap point.

The duplicated notes remain selected after creation, allowing users to instantly transpose them using the arrow keys.

Workflow and usability improvements

Alongside the new MIDI tools, Ardour 9.2 includes several workflow refinements designed to improve editing and session handling.

Highlights include:

• Multiple regions can now be dragged simultaneously from the sources list into the editor.
• Zoom-to-session behavior has been improved when recording in a new empty session.
• Pitchbend values are now displayed in a -8192 to 8191 range, making MIDI editing clearer.
• MIDI CC lane names now show both channel and controller information for easier identification.
• Two mono audio files can be merged into a stereo track using drag-and-drop.
• MIDI cue recording now correctly preserves velocity values for notes held before recording begins.

The update also refines transport behavior during startup and improves the visibility and consistency of several interface icons.

Download Ardour 9.2

Ardour 9.2 is available now as a free download from the official website. As a cross-platform digital audio workstation, Ardour remains a popular choice for producers, engineers, and studios looking for a powerful open-source alternative to proprietary DAWs.

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