AbletonMCP
The AbletonMCP server enables AI models to directly control and interact with Ableton Live for music production, acting as a bridge between AI prompts and Live's functionality.
Session Management: Retrieve session info, set tempo, start/stop global playback.
Track Control: Create MIDI tracks, rename tracks, and get detailed track info.
Clip Control: Create MIDI clips, add notes (pitch, start time, duration, velocity, mute state), rename, fire, and stop clips.
Instrument & Effects Loading: Load instruments, audio/MIDI effects, drum racks, and drum kits onto tracks using their browser URIs.
Browser Access: Explore Ableton's content browser by retrieving category trees (instruments, sounds, drums, effects) and navigating to specific paths.
Full Arrangement: Combine all of the above to build complete songs with structured sections (intro, buildup, drop, etc.).
Provides a community platform for users to give feedback, get inspired, and build on top of the MCP integration
Enables communication with Ableton Live through MIDI Remote Scripts for track manipulation, instrument and effect selection, clip creation, and session control
Click on "Install Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@AbletonMCPadd a synth pad to track 3 and set it to play chords"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
Ableton MCP
Connect Ableton Live to Claude AI
Prompt-assisted music production, end-to-end track creation, and Live session and arrangement manipulation — driven by AI.
Setup Video · Discord · Issues
Quickstart
Three steps: install uv, point your MCP client at the server, install the Ableton Remote Script.
1. Install uv
# macOS
brew install uvOtherwise, install from uv's official website.
Warning: Do not proceed before installing uv.
2. Add the MCP server to your client
{
"mcpServers": {
"AbletonMCP": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"ableton-mcp"
]
}
}
}Paste this as a command:
uvx ableton-mcpWarning: Only run one instance of the MCP server (either on Cursor or Claude Desktop), not both.
3. Install the Ableton Remote Script
uvx --from ableton-mcp ableton-mcp-install-script
uvx --from ableton-mcp ableton-mcp-install-script --list-targets # preview target folders first4. Connect
Launch Ableton Live
Go to Settings/Preferences → Link, Tempo & MIDI
In the Control Surface dropdown, select AbletonMCP
Set Input and Output to None
That's it — ask Claude to build something.
Related MCP server: AbletonMCP
Table of Contents
Features
Two-way communication | Connect Claude AI to Ableton Live through a socket-based server |
Track manipulation | Create, modify, and manipulate MIDI and audio tracks |
Instrument and effect selection | Claude can access and load the right instruments, effects and sounds from Ableton's library |
Clip creation | Create and edit MIDI clips with notes |
Arrangement view composition | Build full songs autonomously in Arrangement View, including sections like intro, buildup, drop, breakdown, and outro |
Session control | Start and stop playback, fire clips, and control transport across Session View and Arrangement View |
Anonymous telemetry | Usage tracking to help improve the tool (can be disabled) |
Components
The system consists of two main components:
Ableton Remote Script (
Ableton_Remote_Script/__init__.py) — a MIDI Remote Script for Ableton Live that creates a socket server to receive and execute commandsMCP Server (
server.py) — a Python server that implements the Model Context Protocol and connects to the Ableton Remote Script
Installation
Prerequisites
Ableton Live 10 or newer
Python 3.8 or newer
uv package manager
If you're on Mac, please install uv as:
brew install uvOtherwise, install from uv's official website
Warning: Do not proceed before installing uv.
Claude for Desktop Integration
Follow along with the setup instructions video
Go to Claude → Settings → Developer → Edit Config → claude_desktop_config.json to include the following:
{
"mcpServers": {
"AbletonMCP": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"ableton-mcp"
]
}
}
}Cursor Integration
Run ableton-mcp without installing it permanently through uvx. Go to Cursor Settings → MCP and paste this as a command:
uvx ableton-mcpWarning: Only run one instance of the MCP server (either on Cursor or Claude Desktop), not both.
Claude Code Integration
In the terminal, run:
claude mcp add AbletonMCP uvx ableton-mcpInstalling the Ableton Remote Script
Follow along with the setup instructions video
Install the Remote Script with:
uvx --from ableton-mcp ableton-mcp-install-script
uvx --from ableton-mcp ableton-mcp-install-script --list-targets # preview target folders firstIf you installed the package with
piporpipx, the command is on your PATH directly — just runableton-mcp-install-script.
This copies the matching Remote Script into your Ableton User Library's Remote Scripts folder — the location Live (10.1.13+) scans for third-party control surface scripts. The installer reads the User Library location from Live's Library.cfg, falling back to the default (~/Music/Ableton/User Library on macOS, Documents\Ableton\User Library on Windows). If a different version of the script is already there, the existing file is backed up to __init__.py.bak before being replaced.
If your User Library lives somewhere non-standard and isn't detected, point the installer at it directly:
uvx --from ableton-mcp ableton-mcp-install-script --target "/path/to/User Library/Remote Scripts"The legacy
Preferences/User Remote Scriptsfolder (used for instant-mapping configs, not Python control surfaces) is no longer targeted by default; pass--legacyif you need it for an old Live version.
Then restart Ableton (or re-select the AbletonMCP control surface) so Live loads it. Re-run the command after upgrading the package — the server logs a warning when the loaded script version doesn't match what it expects.
Note: The server does not install the script on startup. Writing into Ableton's preferences directory is an explicit action, not a side effect of launching a server.
First-time Ableton setup:
Run
uvx --from ableton-mcp ableton-mcp-install-scriptLaunch Ableton Live
Go to Settings/Preferences → Link, Tempo & MIDI
In the Control Surface dropdown, select AbletonMCP
Set Input and Output to None
macOS:
~/Music/Ableton/User Library/Remote Scripts/AbletonMCP/Windows:
C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\Ableton\User Library\Remote Scripts\AbletonMCP\
If you've moved your User Library, use its actual location (shown in Live under Preferences → Library → Location of User Library), and create the Remote Scripts folder inside it if it doesn't exist yet.
The MCP server and Remote Script share a version handshake (get_remote_script_info). If they diverge, newer tools degrade gracefully until Live is restarted.
Usage
Starting the Connection
Ensure the Ableton Remote Script is loaded in Ableton Live
Make sure the MCP server is configured in Claude Desktop or Cursor
The connection should be established automatically when you interact with Claude
Using with Claude
Once the config file has been set on Claude, and the remote script is running in Ableton, you will see a hammer icon with tools for the Ableton MCP.
Capabilities
Get session and track information
Create and modify MIDI and audio tracks
Create full song arrangements from start to finish in Arrangement View
Create, edit, and trigger clips
Control playback
Load instruments and effects from Ableton's browser
Add notes to MIDI clips
Change tempo and other session parameters
Example Commands
Here are some examples of what you can ask Claude to do:
Prompt | Demo |
"Create an 80s synthwave track" | |
"Create a Metro Boomin style hip-hop beat" | |
"Create a full arrangement with an intro, buildup, drop, breakdown, and outro" | |
"Create a new MIDI track with a synth bass instrument" | |
"Add reverb to my drums" | |
"Create a 4-bar MIDI clip with a simple melody" | |
"Get information about the current Ableton session" | |
"Load a 808 drum rack into the selected track" | |
"Add a jazz chord progression to the clip in track 1" | |
"Set the tempo to 120 BPM" | |
"Play the clip in track 2" |
Troubleshooting
Problem | Fix |
Connection issues | Make sure the Ableton Remote Script is loaded, and the MCP server is configured on Claude |
Timeout errors | Try simplifying your requests or breaking them into smaller steps |
Have you tried turning it off and on again? | If you're still having connection errors, try restarting both Claude and Ableton Live |
Technical Details
Communication Protocol
The system uses a simple JSON-based protocol over TCP sockets:
Commands are sent as JSON objects with a
typeand optionalparamsResponses are JSON objects with a
statusandresultormessage
Limitations & Security Considerations
Creating complex musical arrangements might need to be broken down into smaller steps
The tool is designed to work with Ableton's default devices and browser items
Always save your work before extensive experimentation
Telemetry
AbletonMCP collects usage data to help improve the tool. This includes:
Anonymous tool usage statistics (which features are used)
Anonymous session start information (for daily/monthly active user counts)
Anonymous rates and performance metrics
Prompts, MIDI notes, track and clip names, and device settings
Telemetry is on by default. To see exactly what data is collected, see the Terms & Data Use.
Opting Out
To disable telemetry, set one of these environment variables before starting the MCP server:
export ABLETON_MCP_DISABLE_TELEMETRY=trueOr use any of these alternatives:
DISABLE_TELEMETRY=trueMCP_DISABLE_TELEMETRY=true
For Claude Desktop, add the environment variable to your config:
{
"mcpServers": {
"AbletonMCP": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": ["ableton-mcp"],
"env": {
"ABLETON_MCP_DISABLE_TELEMETRY": "true"
}
}
}
}Join the Community
Give feedback, get inspired, and build on top of the MCP: Discord
Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.
Disclaimer
This is a third-party integration and not made by Ableton. Made by Siddharth.
If Ableton MCP is useful to you, consider starring the repo
Available Tools
16 toolsadd_notes_to_clipB
Add MIDI notes to a clip.
Parameters:
track_index: The index of the track containing the clip
clip_index: The index of the clip slot containing the clip
notes: List of note dictionaries, each with pitch, start_time, duration, velocity, and mute
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| track_index | Yes | ||
| clip_index | Yes | ||
| notes | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool adds notes but doesn't cover critical aspects: whether this is a mutation (implied by 'Add'), what happens if notes overlap existing ones, if it requires specific permissions, or what the response looks like. For a write operation with zero annotation coverage, this leaves significant gaps in understanding behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is efficiently structured: a clear purpose statement followed by a bulleted list of parameters with brief explanations. Every sentence earns its place, with no redundant or verbose content. It's front-loaded with the core action and remains appropriately sized for the tool's complexity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 3 parameters with 0% schema coverage and no annotations or output schema, the description does a fair job: it covers the purpose and parameter meanings. However, as a mutation tool, it lacks details on behavioral traits (e.g., idempotency, error conditions) and return values, leaving the agent with incomplete context for safe invocation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It lists all three parameters and provides meaningful semantics: 'track_index' and 'clip_index' identify the target, and 'notes' is described as a list of dictionaries with specific fields (pitch, start_time, duration, velocity, mute). This adds substantial value beyond the bare schema, though it doesn't detail data types or constraints for note fields.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Add MIDI notes') and target resource ('to a clip'), which is specific and unambiguous. It distinguishes this tool from siblings like 'create_clip' or 'fire_clip' by focusing on note addition rather than clip creation or triggering. However, it doesn't explicitly contrast with all possible alternatives, keeping it at 4 instead of 5.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., requiring an existing clip), exclusions, or comparisons to sibling tools like 'create_clip' for initial setup. Without any usage context, the agent must infer when this operation is appropriate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
create_clipA
Create a new MIDI clip in the specified track and clip slot.
Parameters:
track_index: The index of the track to create the clip in
clip_index: The index of the clip slot to create the clip in
length: The length of the clip in beats (default: 4.0)
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| track_index | Yes | ||
| clip_index | Yes | ||
| length | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states the action ('Create a new MIDI clip') but doesn't disclose behavioral traits like whether this overwrites existing clips in the slot, requires specific permissions, or has side effects. The default length is mentioned, but other critical behaviors (e.g., error handling, clip initialization state) are omitted.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately sized and front-loaded: the first sentence states the core purpose, followed by a bulleted list of parameters with clear explanations. Every sentence earns its place without redundancy or fluff.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations and no output schema, the description is moderately complete but has gaps. It covers the basic purpose and parameters but lacks behavioral details (e.g., what happens on failure, clip properties after creation) and output information. For a mutation tool with 3 parameters, this is adequate but not fully comprehensive.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It adds meaningful semantics by explaining each parameter's purpose (e.g., 'track_index: The index of the track to create the clip in') and includes a default value for 'length'. However, it doesn't clarify parameter constraints (e.g., valid index ranges) or units beyond 'beats' for length.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('Create a new MIDI clip') and specifies the target resources ('in the specified track and clip slot'). It distinguishes from siblings like 'add_notes_to_clip' (modifies existing clips) and 'create_midi_track' (creates tracks rather than clips), providing clear differentiation.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage context through parameter details (track_index, clip_index) but doesn't explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'add_notes_to_clip' or 'set_clip_name'. No guidance on prerequisites (e.g., track must exist) or exclusions is provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
create_midi_trackB
Create a new MIDI track in the Ableton session.
Parameters:
index: The index to insert the track at (-1 = end of list)
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| index | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. While 'Create' implies a write operation, the description doesn't address permissions, side effects (e.g., impact on existing tracks), error conditions, or what happens upon success. This leaves significant gaps for a mutation tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise and well-structured: one sentence states the purpose, followed by a clear 'Parameters:' section with a bullet point explaining the parameter. Every element earns its place with zero wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a mutation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description is incomplete. It covers the basic purpose and parameter but lacks critical behavioral details (e.g., what the tool returns, error handling, or side effects), making it insufficient for safe and effective use by an AI agent.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description explicitly documents the single parameter 'index', explaining its purpose ('The index to insert the track at') and providing semantic clarification for the value '-1' ('end of list'). With 0% schema description coverage, this adds meaningful context beyond the bare schema, though it doesn't cover edge cases like invalid indices.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Create a new MIDI track') and the target resource ('in the Ableton session'), providing a specific verb+resource combination. However, it doesn't distinguish this tool from potential sibling tools that might also create tracks or similar resources, though no obvious direct siblings exist in the provided list.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, prerequisites, or contextual constraints. It simply states what the tool does without indicating appropriate scenarios or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fire_clipC
Start playing a clip.
Parameters:
track_index: The index of the track containing the clip
clip_index: The index of the clip slot containing the clip
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| track_index | Yes | ||
| clip_index | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the action ('Start playing a clip') but lacks details on effects (e.g., does it stop other clips, require specific permissions, or have rate limits). This is inadequate for a tool that likely triggers audio playback, leaving gaps in understanding its behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is brief and front-loaded with the main action, followed by parameter details. It avoids unnecessary words, but the parameter section could be integrated more smoothly. Overall, it's efficient with minimal waste.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations, 0% schema coverage, and no output schema, the description is incomplete. It covers the basic action and parameters but misses behavioral traits (e.g., playback effects, error handling) and output details. For a tool that likely interacts with audio software, this leaves significant gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description lists parameters ('track_index' and 'clip_index') and their roles, adding meaning beyond the input schema, which has 0% description coverage. However, it doesn't explain index ranges, valid values, or how indices map to tracks/clips, leaving some ambiguity. This partial compensation justifies a baseline score.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Start playing a clip') and identifies the resource ('a clip'), making the purpose immediately understandable. However, it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'start_playback' or 'stop_clip', which might handle similar playback functions, so it doesn't reach the highest score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., if the clip must exist or be loaded), nor does it compare to siblings like 'start_playback' for broader playback control or 'stop_clip' for stopping clips.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_browser_items_at_pathB
Get browser items at a specific path in Ableton's browser.
Parameters:
path: Path in the format "category/folder/subfolder" where category is one of the available browser categories in Ableton
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| path | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It describes a read operation ('Get'), implying it's likely non-destructive, but doesn't specify permissions required, rate limits, error handling, or what the return format looks like (e.g., list of items, their types, or metadata). For a tool with no annotation coverage, this is a significant gap in transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately sized with two sentences: one stating the purpose and another detailing the parameter. It's front-loaded with the core function and avoids unnecessary fluff, making it efficient. However, the parameter explanation could be slightly more structured (e.g., bullet points or examples) for optimal clarity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's moderate complexity (single parameter, no output schema, no annotations), the description is minimally adequate. It covers the purpose and parameter semantics but lacks usage guidelines, behavioral details (like return format or error cases), and differentiation from siblings. This leaves gaps that could hinder an agent's ability to use the tool effectively in context.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaningful context beyond the input schema, which has 0% description coverage. It explains the 'path' parameter format as 'category/folder/subfolder' and notes that categories are from Ableton's browser, clarifying the expected input structure. This compensates well for the lack of schema descriptions, though it doesn't detail specific categories or examples.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Get' and the resource 'browser items at a specific path in Ableton's browser', making the purpose understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_browser_tree' (which might list the entire browser structure) or 'get_session_info' (which might provide session-level information), leaving some ambiguity about when to choose this specific tool over alternatives.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention sibling tools like 'get_browser_tree' (which could be for browsing the entire tree) or 'get_session_info' (for session-level data), nor does it specify prerequisites or contexts for usage. This leaves the agent without clear direction on tool selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_browser_treeC
Get a hierarchical tree of browser categories from Ableton.
Parameters:
category_type: Type of categories to get ('all', 'instruments', 'sounds', 'drums', 'audio_effects', 'midi_effects')
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| category_type | No | all |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It mentions the tool retrieves a 'hierarchical tree', implying a read-only operation, but doesn't disclose behavioral traits like whether it requires specific permissions, how data is formatted, potential rate limits, or error conditions. This leaves significant gaps for a tool with no annotation coverage.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is brief and front-loaded with the core purpose, followed by parameter details in a clear list format. It avoids unnecessary words, though it could be slightly more structured by separating usage context from parameters.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has 1 parameter, no annotations, and no output schema, the description is minimally adequate. It explains the purpose and parameter, but lacks details on output format, error handling, or integration with sibling tools, leaving room for improvement in completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description lists the parameter 'category_type' with its possible values, adding meaning beyond the schema, which only provides a title and type. However, with 0% schema description coverage and only 1 parameter, this is adequate but not exceptional, as it compensates somewhat for the schema gap.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Get a hierarchical tree') and resource ('browser categories from Ableton'), making the purpose understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_browser_items_at_path', which might retrieve items within categories rather than the category structure itself.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as 'get_browser_items_at_path' for items within categories or other sibling tools for different browser-related tasks. It lacks context about prerequisites or typical use cases.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_session_infoB
Get detailed information about the current Ableton session
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool retrieves 'detailed information' but doesn't specify what that includes (e.g., tempo, tracks, clips, file path), whether it's read-only (implied by 'Get'), or any performance considerations. This leaves significant gaps for an agent to understand the tool's behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, clear sentence that directly states the tool's purpose without any fluff or unnecessary details. It's front-loaded and appropriately sized for a zero-parameter tool, making it easy for an agent to parse quickly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of annotations and output schema, the description is incomplete for a tool that presumably returns complex session data. It doesn't hint at the structure or content of the returned information (e.g., JSON object with fields like tempo, tracks), which could help an agent interpret results. For a read operation with no structured output, more context is needed.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has 0 parameters, and the schema description coverage is 100%, so no parameter documentation is needed. The description appropriately doesn't discuss parameters, which is efficient and avoids redundancy. A baseline of 4 is applied since there are no parameters to document.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb ('Get') and resource ('detailed information about the current Ableton session'), making the purpose unambiguous. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_track_info' or 'get_browser_tree', which also retrieve session-related information but with different scopes.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. For example, it doesn't specify if this should be used for general session metadata versus more specific tools like 'get_track_info' for track-level details or 'get_browser_tree' for file structure. There's no mention of prerequisites or contextual triggers.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_track_infoC
Get detailed information about a specific track in Ableton.
Parameters:
track_index: The index of the track to get information about
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| track_index | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states this is a 'get' operation but doesn't disclose behavioral traits like whether it's read-only, safe to call frequently, requires specific Ableton state, or what happens with invalid track indices. For a tool with zero annotation coverage, this is a significant gap.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately sized with two sentences: one stating the purpose and one listing parameters. It's front-loaded with the core function. The parameter listing is clear but could be integrated more seamlessly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations, no output schema, and low schema coverage, the description is incomplete. It doesn't explain what 'detailed information' includes (e.g., track name, devices, clips), error handling, or dependencies. For a tool in a music production context with siblings that modify state, more behavioral context is needed.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It adds meaning by explaining 'track_index' as 'The index of the track to get information about', which clarifies the parameter's purpose beyond the schema's title 'Track Index'. However, it doesn't provide format details like valid ranges or indexing conventions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Get' and resource 'detailed information about a specific track in Ableton', making the purpose understandable. However, it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_session_info' or 'get_browser_items_at_path', which also retrieve information but about different resources.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention sibling tools like 'get_session_info' (which might provide broader session data) or clarify if this is for detailed track metadata versus basic info available elsewhere.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
load_drum_kitC
Load a drum rack and then load a specific drum kit into it.
Parameters:
track_index: The index of the track to load on
rack_uri: The URI of the drum rack to load (e.g., 'Drums/Drum Rack')
kit_path: Path to the drum kit inside the browser (e.g., 'drums/acoustic/kit1')
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| track_index | Yes | ||
| rack_uri | Yes | ||
| kit_path | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states the tool loads resources, implying a write/mutation operation, but doesn't disclose behavioral traits such as whether this requires specific permissions, if it overwrites existing content, error handling, or what happens on success (e.g., confirmation message). This leaves significant gaps for an agent to understand the tool's effects.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately sized and front-loaded: the first sentence states the purpose clearly, followed by a structured parameter list. There's minimal waste, though the parameter examples could be slightly more concise. Overall, it's efficient and easy to scan.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity (a 3-parameter mutation tool with no annotations and no output schema), the description is incomplete. It lacks information on behavioral outcomes, error conditions, and how to verify success. Without annotations or output schema, the agent has insufficient context to use the tool reliably, especially for a write operation like loading resources.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It lists parameters with brief examples (e.g., 'rack_uri: The URI of the drum rack to load (e.g., 'Drums/Drum Rack')'), adding meaning beyond the schema's basic titles. However, it doesn't fully explain semantics like valid ranges for 'track_index' or format details for paths, leaving some ambiguity. This partial compensation justifies a baseline score.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Load a drum rack and then load a specific drum kit into it.' This specifies the verb ('load') and resources ('drum rack', 'drum kit'), making it understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from siblings like 'load_instrument_or_effect' or 'get_browser_items_at_path', which could involve similar loading or browsing operations.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., needing an existing track or session), exclusions, or compare to sibling tools like 'load_instrument_or_effect' for other instrument types. Usage is implied through parameter descriptions but not explicitly stated.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
load_instrument_or_effectB
Load an instrument or effect onto a track using its URI.
Parameters:
track_index: The index of the track to load the instrument on
uri: The URI of the instrument or effect to load (e.g., 'query:Synths#Instrument%20Rack:Bass:FileId_5116')
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| track_index | Yes | ||
| uri | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the action ('Load') but does not explain what happens during loading (e.g., whether it replaces existing content, requires specific permissions, or has side effects like mutating track state). This is a significant gap for a tool that likely modifies session data.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the core purpose in the first sentence, followed by a clear parameter list with brief explanations. Every sentence adds value without redundancy, making it efficient and easy to parse for an agent.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity of loading instruments/effects in a music production tool, the description is minimally adequate. It covers the basic purpose and parameters but lacks details on behavior, output, or integration with siblings. With no annotations or output schema, it leaves gaps in understanding the full context of use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaningful context for both parameters: 'track_index' is explained as 'The index of the track to load the instrument on', and 'uri' includes an example ('e.g., 'query:Synths#Instrument%20Rack:Bass:FileId_5116''). Since schema description coverage is 0%, this compensates well by clarifying parameter purposes beyond the basic schema types.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Load an instrument or effect') and the target ('onto a track using its URI'), which is specific and actionable. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'load_drum_kit' or 'create_midi_track', which might have overlapping purposes in a music production context, so it falls short of a perfect score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention prerequisites, such as needing an existing track or valid URI, or compare it to siblings like 'load_drum_kit' or 'create_midi_track', leaving the agent to infer usage context from the tool name alone.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
set_clip_nameB
Set the name of a clip.
Parameters:
track_index: The index of the track containing the clip
clip_index: The index of the clip slot containing the clip
name: The new name for the clip
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| track_index | Yes | ||
| clip_index | Yes | ||
| name | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It states the tool performs a write operation ('Set'), implying mutation, but doesn't disclose permissions needed, whether changes are reversible, error conditions (e.g., invalid indices), or side effects. The description lacks behavioral context beyond the basic action.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise and well-structured: a clear purpose statement followed by a bulleted list of parameters with brief explanations. Every sentence earns its place, with no redundant or verbose language. It's front-loaded with the core action.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 3 parameters with 0% schema coverage and no annotations/output schema, the description provides basic parameter semantics but lacks behavioral context. For a mutation tool with no structured safety hints, it should ideally mention permissions, error handling, or side effects. The description is minimally adequate but has clear gaps in completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It explicitly lists all three parameters with brief explanations: 'track_index' (index of track containing clip), 'clip_index' (index of clip slot containing clip), and 'name' (new name for clip). This adds meaningful semantics beyond the schema's bare types, though it doesn't specify index ranges or name constraints.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Set the name') and resource ('of a clip'), making the purpose immediately understandable. It distinguishes from siblings like 'set_track_name' by specifying it operates on clips rather than tracks. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from tools like 'create_clip' or 'add_notes_to_clip' in terms of scope.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., clip must exist), exclusions (e.g., cannot rename non-existent clips), or related tools like 'set_track_name' for track-level operations. Usage context is implied but not explicitly stated.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
set_tempoB
Set the tempo of the Ableton session.
Parameters:
tempo: The new tempo in BPM
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| tempo | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the action ('Set the tempo') but lacks critical details: whether this is a mutation (implied but not explicit), what permissions are needed, if it affects playback immediately, or potential side effects. This is inadequate for a tool that likely modifies session state.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the core purpose in the first sentence, followed by a concise parameter explanation. Every sentence adds value without waste, making it efficient and well-structured for quick understanding.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's moderate complexity (single parameter mutation), no annotations, and no output schema, the description is minimally adequate. It covers the basic action and parameter meaning but lacks behavioral context, usage guidelines, and output details, leaving gaps that could hinder effective tool invocation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaningful semantics beyond the schema: it explains that 'tempo' is 'The new tempo in BPM', clarifying the unit and purpose. With 0% schema description coverage and only one parameter, this compensates well, though it doesn't specify valid ranges (e.g., typical BPM limits).
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Set' and the resource 'tempo of the Ableton session', making the purpose specific and understandable. However, it doesn't differentiate from siblings like 'start_playback' or 'stop_playback' which also affect session timing, leaving room for minor ambiguity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., session must be open), exclusions, or related tools like 'get_session_info' for checking current tempo, leaving the agent with no usage context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
set_track_nameB
Set the name of a track.
Parameters:
track_index: The index of the track to rename
name: The new name for the track
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| track_index | Yes | ||
| name | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the action ('Set the name') but does not cover critical aspects like whether this is a destructive mutation, what permissions are required, how errors are handled (e.g., invalid track_index), or the expected response format. This leaves significant gaps for an AI agent to understand the tool's behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise and well-structured, with a clear purpose statement followed by a bulleted list of parameters. Every sentence earns its place, and there is no redundant or unnecessary information, making it easy to parse quickly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity of a mutation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description is incomplete. It lacks details on behavioral traits (e.g., error handling, side effects), usage context, and return values, which are essential for an AI agent to invoke the tool correctly in a music production environment.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaningful context beyond the input schema, which has 0% description coverage. It explains that 'track_index' is 'The index of the track to rename' and 'name' is 'The new name for the track', clarifying their roles. However, it does not specify constraints like valid ranges for track_index or name length limits, which could be important for usage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb ('Set') and resource ('name of a track'), making the purpose specific and understandable. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from the sibling tool 'set_clip_name', which might cause confusion in a music production context where tracks and clips are distinct entities.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'set_clip_name' or other track-related operations. It lacks context about prerequisites, such as whether the track must exist or be in a specific state, and does not mention any exclusions or recommended scenarios.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
start_playbackB
Start playing the Ableton session.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the action ('Start playing') but doesn't explain what 'playing' entails (e.g., starts from current position, requires a session to be loaded, may affect other playback states), or any side effects like audio output or session state changes.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, direct sentence with no wasted words, making it highly concise and front-loaded. Every part of the sentence ('Start playing the Ableton session') contributes essential information without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (a playback control with potential side effects), no annotations, and no output schema, the description is incomplete. It lacks details on behavior, success/failure conditions, or what 'playing' means in context, leaving significant gaps for an AI agent.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has 0 parameters, and the schema description coverage is 100%, so there are no parameters to document. The description doesn't need to add parameter semantics, and it appropriately avoids mentioning any, earning a baseline high score for this dimension.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Start playing') and the target resource ('the Ableton session'), making the purpose immediately understandable. It doesn't differentiate from its sibling tool 'stop_playback', but it's specific enough to avoid vagueness or tautology.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'stop_playback' or other playback-related tools. The description lacks context about prerequisites, timing, or exclusions, leaving usage entirely implicit.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
stop_clipC
Stop playing a clip.
Parameters:
track_index: The index of the track containing the clip
clip_index: The index of the clip slot containing the clip
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| track_index | Yes | ||
| clip_index | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the action ('Stop playing') but doesn't describe what happens after stopping (e.g., does the clip reset to start, is there any feedback, are there side effects like track muting?). For a mutation tool with zero annotation coverage, this leaves significant gaps in understanding its behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately sized with a clear purpose statement followed by a parameter list. The first sentence is front-loaded with the core action, and the parameter section is organized. However, the parameter explanations are minimal and could be more informative without sacrificing conciseness.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (a mutation with 2 parameters), lack of annotations, and no output schema, the description is incomplete. It doesn't cover behavioral aspects like error handling, return values, or side effects, and parameter details are insufficient. For a tool that modifies state, more context is needed to ensure safe and correct usage.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description lists both parameters with brief explanations, but schema description coverage is 0%, so the schema provides no additional details. The description adds basic meaning ('index of the track', 'index of the clip slot') but doesn't clarify valid ranges, indexing conventions (0-based vs 1-based), or what happens with invalid indices. It compensates somewhat but not fully for the schema's lack of descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Stop playing') and resource ('a clip'), making the purpose immediately understandable. It distinguishes from siblings like 'fire_clip' and 'stop_playback' by specifying it stops a specific clip rather than triggering one or stopping overall playback. However, it doesn't explicitly contrast with all relevant siblings like 'stop_playback'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., a clip must be playing), when not to use it, or direct comparisons to siblings like 'stop_playback' (which stops all playback) or 'fire_clip' (which starts a clip). Usage is implied but not explicitly stated.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
stop_playbackB
Stop playing the Ableton session.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the action ('stop playing') but doesn't mention side effects (e.g., whether it resets playback position, affects other session components, or requires specific permissions). For a mutation tool with zero annotation coverage, this is a significant gap in transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, clear sentence with zero wasted words. It's front-loaded with the core action and resource, making it highly efficient and easy to parse.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's mutation nature (stopping playback) and lack of annotations or output schema, the description is incomplete. It doesn't address behavioral nuances, error conditions, or what happens after execution (e.g., does it return a status?). For a tool that likely interacts with live session state, more context is needed.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has zero parameters, and schema description coverage is 100%, so there's no need for parameter documentation in the description. The description appropriately focuses on the action without unnecessary parameter details, earning a high baseline score for this dimension.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('stop playing') and the target resource ('the Ableton session'), making the purpose immediately understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from the sibling tool 'stop_clip', which might cause confusion about scope.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'stop_clip' or when playback should be stopped. There's no mention of prerequisites, such as requiring playback to be active, or contextual factors for choosing this tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.
16 tool updates
- First observed
add_notes_to_clip - First observed
create_clip - First observed
create_midi_track - First observed
fire_clip - First observed
get_browser_items_at_path - First observed
get_browser_tree - First observed
get_session_info - First observed
get_track_info - First observed
load_drum_kit - First observed
load_instrument_or_effect - First observed
set_clip_name - First observed
set_tempo - First observed
set_track_name - First observed
start_playback - First observed
stop_clip - First observed
stop_playback
TDQS
Most tools have distinct purposes targeting specific resources like clips, tracks, browser, or playback. However, fire_clip and start_playback could be slightly ambiguous as both initiate playback, though fire_clip targets a specific clip while start_playback affects the entire session. The descriptions help clarify this distinction.
All tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern with clear, descriptive actions (e.g., add_notes_to_clip, create_clip, get_session_info). There are no deviations in naming conventions, making the set predictable and easy to understand.
With 16 tools, this server is well-scoped for controlling Ableton Live, covering key areas like clip management, track operations, browser navigation, and playback control. Each tool serves a specific function without redundancy, making the count appropriate for the domain.
The toolset provides comprehensive coverage for core Ableton workflows, including creating and managing clips/tracks, loading instruments/effects, and controlling playback. Minor gaps exist, such as no tools for deleting clips or tracks, but agents can work around this by recreating or overwriting resources.
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