Ableton Live MCP Server
An Ableton Live MCP server: 156 tools let Claude, Cursor or Codex write MIDI, load instruments and effects and mix a track.
- 77 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Extended access
Why this level
- Tools delete tracks and replace clip notes in the open project and the Remote Script runs inside Live.
Install
- Works in
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add mcp/ableton-live-mcp-serverDetects the agents on your machine, shows the access level and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- Tools delete tracks and replace clip notes in the open project and the Remote Script runs inside Live.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
Ableton Live MCP Server controls Ableton Live from an AI assistant: 156 tools for building tracks, editing MIDI, loading instruments and effects, mixing and mastering inside a running set. Offline tools additionally read and diff saved `.als` projects with Live closed. A Remote Script runs inside Live and exposes the Live API over a local socket, and the MCP server turns it into typed tools with argument validation and hints for read-only and destructive actions. Generators create drum patterns in seven styles, euclidean rhythms, chord progressions, basslines and melodies. Five ready prompts such as `make_a_beat` and `mix_and_master` set up workflows, and `session_diff` shows what changed in the project after an edit.
Who it is for. Musicians and sound designers who build tracks in Ableton Live and want an AI assistant to take over mixing chores and note entry.
Good fit when
- You need to sketch an 80 BPM beat with bass and Rhodes chords and put a limiter on the master.
- You want to learn the key of a track and scan the mix for problems.
- Two project versions are checked without launching Live: `.als` is read offline.
- An instrument has to be loaded on a specific track and device parameters adjusted.
- You need a summary of changes before and after edits so nothing is lost.
Not a fit when
- You use another DAW: the bridge is written only for Ableton Live 11 and 12.
- You need LUFS loudness and true peak: analysis gives sample peak and RMS.
- You work without a backup: some tools delete tracks and notes.
Example request
Make a lofi beat at 80 BPM with a dusty drum kit, an upright bass and Rhodes chords, then put a limiter on the master at -1 dB.MCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- not required
Limitations
Ableton Live 11 or 12, Python 3.10 and `uv` are required. After registering the server run `uvx mcp-server-ableton-live@1.8.1 install`, restart Live and select AbletonMCP in the Control Surface list with input and output None. After upgrading the package repeat the Remote Script install. The tools run no arbitrary code, but some delete tracks, replace clip notes and overwrite the arrangement, so save your set. Audio analysis covers the first 30 seconds by default.
How to disable. Remove the MCP entry with `claude mcp remove AbletonMCP` and unselect AbletonMCP from the Control Surface list in Live. The copied Remote Script sits in the User Library and is deleted by hand.
FAQ
How do I connect the server to Claude Code?
Run `claude mcp add AbletonMCP -s user -- uvx mcp-server-ableton-live@1.8.1`. For Codex use `codex mcp add ableton -- uvx mcp-server-ableton-live@1.8.1`.
How do I enable the bridge in Live?
After `uvx mcp-server-ableton-live@1.8.1 install` restart Live. Open Settings, раздел Tempo и MIDI, select AbletonMCP in an unused Control Surface row and set Input and Output to None.
How do I check everything works?
The `uvx mcp-server-ableton-live@1.8.1 doctor --json` command checks installed bytes and the running bridge version. Start with a read request: tempo and track names with no edits.
Can I work without Live running?
Yes, the offline tools summarize `.als`, list tracks, extract MIDI, detect key, diff two versions and parse `.adg` and `.adv` racks.
What does session_diff do?
Call it before and after an edit: the first call sets the comparison baseline, then it tells renames, reordering and duplicate track names apart using identifiers from the running bridge.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
The server installs with one uvx command and works with Claude, Cursor, Codex and any MCP client. A website with an installation guide at abletonmcp.com and Codex instructions is available.