ableton

AbletonMCP connects Ableton Live to Claude AI through the Model Context Protocol, enabling Claude to inspect and control Ableton Live sessions with near-complete coverage of the Live Object Model (LOM). It offers multiple access paths: a dedicated MCP server that integrates with Claude Desktop or Cursor, a REST API for use with Ollama or any OpenAI/Claude-compatible LLM, and a Max for Live device for in-Ableton AI chat. With the MCP server running, you can chat with Claude to create tracks, arrange scenes, adjust device parameters, automate clips, generate drum patterns, and even design basslines, all while Claude translates your natural-language instructions into Live actions. REST API access exposes a standard set of endpoints (health, tools, session, tracks, scenes, command) and OpenAI-compatible tool definitions for tool-based interactions. The Max for Live device provides an in-DAW interface for real-time AI-assisted music production through multiple providers (Ollama, OpenAI, Claude API, Groq).

Prerequisites:

• Ableton Live 10 or newer
• Python 3.8 or newer
• uv package manager (uvx) and its prerequisites

Install uv (macOS):

# macOS
brew install uv

Install the MCP server via Smithery (for Claude Desktop integration):

npx -y @smithery/cli install @ahujasid/ableton-mcp --client claude

Configure Claude Desktop to load the MCP server by adding it to claude_desktop_config.json (example shown in the README):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "AbletonMCP": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["ableton-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Cursor integration (if using Cursor):

uvx ableton-mcp

Optional: If you prefer to run a REST API locally for LLMs, follow the REST API setup in the README (install Ollama, pull a model, install Python dependencies, and start the server):

# Example per README
pip install fastapi uvicorn pydantic
python MCP_Server/rest_api_server.py

Tips and notes:

• The MCP server exposes a large set of 200+ commands across Transport, Track Control, Clips, MIDI Editing, Devices & Effects, Scene Management, Automation, Browser, View, Recording, Mixing, Song Properties, and AI Music Helpers. Start with high-level requests to discover the available tool definitions via the /tools endpoint when using the REST API.
• If using Claude Desktop, ensure the MCP server name in claude_desktop_config.json matches exactly (e.g., AbletonMCP) and that uvx can locate the ableton-mcp package.
• When running the REST API, consider enabling API key authentication via REST_API_KEY and configure per-IP rate limiting as needed.
• The Max for Live device provides a more integrated experience inside Ableton, including multi-provider support and a visual chat UI.
• Ensure Ableton Live is running and the Ableton Remote Script is properly installed if using the AbletonMCP workflow with the remote script.