Ableton MCP
MCP (Model Context Protocol) server for controlling Ableton Live. Query tracks, analyze sessions, and export stems via AI assistants like Claude.
macOS only - Uses AppleScript for GUI automation.
Features
Query Tools
test_connection- Verify Ableton Live and AbletonOSC are runninglist_tracks- List all tracks with optional clip countslist_groups- List all group/folder tracksget_track_info- Get detailed info about a specific trackfind_track- Search tracks by name
Control Tools
select_track_by_index- Select a track in Liveset_export_range- Set the loop/punch range for export
Export Tools (macOS only)
prepare_track_for_export- Select track and set range from clipsexport_selected_track- Trigger export via GUI automation
Requirements
- macOS (for export features)
- Python 3.10+
- Ableton Live 11+ with AbletonOSC installed
- Accessibility permissions for Terminal/Python (for export)
Installation
1. Install AbletonOSC
cd ~/Downloads
git clone https://github.com/ideoforms/AbletonOSC.git
cp -r AbletonOSC ~/Music/Ableton/User\ Library/Remote\ Scripts/
Then in Ableton Live:
- Preferences > Link/Tempo/MIDI
- Control Surface > Select "AbletonOSC"
2. Install ableton-mcp
cd ~/mcps/src/ableton-mcp
pip install -e .
3. Configure Claude Desktop
Add to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"ableton": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["-m", "server"],
"cwd": "/path/to/ableton-mcp"
}
}
}
4. Grant Accessibility Permissions (for export)
System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Accessibility > Add Terminal (or your Python environment)
Usage Examples
"List all tracks in my Ableton session"
"Find tracks containing 'bass'"
"Prepare track 57 for export"
"Export the selected track"
Architecture
┌─────────────┐ OSC ┌─────────────┐
│ MCP Server │ ───────────────▶ │ Ableton │
│ (FastMCP) │ ◀─────────────── │ Live │
└─────────────┘ port 11000 └─────────────┘
│
│ AppleScript (export only)
▼
┌─────────────┐
│ GUI Auto │
│ (macOS) │
└─────────────┘
Limitations
- Export is macOS only - Uses AppleScript for GUI automation
- Export requires Accessibility permissions
- AbletonOSC must be enabled each time Live starts
Credits
- Uses AbletonOSC for Live communication
- Built with FastMCP
License
MIT