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ableton-mcp-loopback

A loopback-bound Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for Ableton Live. It lets an MCP client (Claude, an agent, an LLM tool runner) drive Ableton Live — set tempo, create tracks and clips, add MIDI notes, start/stop playback — over the standard MCP stdio transport.

This is a security-fix fork of ahujasid/ableton-mcp (MIT). The one material change is the network bind: the upstream Remote Script binds its control socket to 0.0.0.0 (every network interface), exposing unauthenticated Ableton control to the LAN. This fork binds 127.0.0.1 (loopback) as a hard constant — the kernel refuses any non-loopback peer at the socket layer, with no firewall rule required. See Security below.

Why two parts

Ableton's Live Object Model (LOM) is reachable only from a MIDI Remote Script loaded into Live's embedded Python — there is no out-of-process LOM API. So the project is irreducibly two pieces:

  1. RemoteScript/ — a MIDI Remote Script that runs inside Ableton Live. It opens a small loopback TCP socket (127.0.0.1:9877) and translates incoming JSON commands into LOM calls (mutating calls run on Live's main thread).

  2. ableton_mcp_loopback/ — the stdio MCP server. It runs as a normal process, connects to 127.0.0.1:9877 as a client, and relays MCP tool calls to the Remote Script.

MCP client  <—stdio—>  ableton-mcp-loopback server  <—TCP 127.0.0.1:9877—>  Remote Script (in Live)  —>  LOM

Related MCP server: ableton-mcp

Setup

1. Install the MCP server

With uv (recommended — no manual venv):

uvx --from git+https://github.com/applicate2628/ableton-mcp-loopback ableton-mcp-loopback

Or with pip:

pip install git+https://github.com/applicate2628/ableton-mcp-loopback
ableton-mcp-loopback

Then point your MCP client at the ableton-mcp-loopback command (stdio). For example, in an MCP client config:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ableton": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--from", "git+https://github.com/applicate2628/ableton-mcp-loopback", "ableton-mcp-loopback"]
    }
  }
}

2. Install the Remote Script into Ableton Live

This is the one irreducible manual Ableton step — the LOM is only reachable from a Control Surface script loaded by Live itself.

  1. Copy the RemoteScript/ folder into Ableton's MIDI Remote Scripts directory, renaming it to a clear name such as ableton_mcp_loopback:

    • Windows: C:\ProgramData\Ableton\Live <version>\Resources\MIDI Remote Scripts\ or \Users\<you>\Documents\Ableton\User Library\Remote Scripts\

    • macOS: /Applications/Ableton Live <version>.app/Contents/App-Resources/MIDI Remote Scripts/ or ~/Music/Ableton/User Library/Remote Scripts/

    The result should be a folder like .../MIDI Remote Scripts/ableton_mcp_loopback/ containing __init__.py.

  2. Start (or restart) Ableton Live.

  3. Open Preferences → Link / Tempo / MIDI (the MIDI tab), and under Control Surface select ableton_mcp_loopback (the folder name you used). Leave Input/Output set to None. Live then loads the script and you should see ableton-mcp-loopback: Listening on 127.0.0.1:9877 flash in Live's status bar.

That's it — the MCP server will connect to the Remote Script automatically. If the server starts before the Control Surface is loaded, it retries the connection.

Tools

This release ships the full upstream ahujasid/ableton-mcp tool surface — it is a drop-in replacement minus the upstream wide-bind network exposure and minus telemetry. All 21 tools are present:

Tool

What it does

get_session_info

Tempo, time signature, track counts, transport state

get_track_info

A track's clip slots, devices, mixer state

set_tempo

Set session BPM

start_playback

Start the session transport

stop_playback

Stop the session transport

create_midi_track

Add a MIDI track

set_track_name

Rename a track

create_clip

Create an empty MIDI clip in a slot

create_audio_clip

Import an audio file into an audio clip slot (Live 12.0.5+)

add_notes_to_clip

Write MIDI notes into a clip

set_clip_name

Rename a clip

fire_clip

Launch a clip

stop_clip

Stop a clip

load_instrument_or_effect

Load a device onto a track by browser URI

load_drum_kit

Load a drum rack and a drum kit into it

get_browser_tree

List the browser's category tree

get_browser_items_at_path

List browser items at a category path

switch_to_arrangement_view

Switch Live's window to the Arrangement view

set_arrangement_time

Move the arrangement playhead (beats)

get_arrangement_clips

List a track's Arrangement-timeline clips

duplicate_to_arrangement

Copy a Session clip into the Arrangement

A typical end-to-end flow: create_midi_trackset_track_namecreate_clipadd_notes_to_clipfire_clip.

Input validation and message framing

Every command's parameters are validated before any Live Object Model call runs (indices are non-negative integers, tempo is within Live's range, MIDI pitch/velocity are 0–127, durations are positive and finite, note lists are well-formed). An invalid value returns a structured status: error response and never reaches Live.

The TCP link between the server and the Remote Script uses newline-delimited JSON framing: each message is one JSON object terminated by a single \n. Both ends buffer with a bounded receive buffer, parse each complete frame, reject a malformed frame without poisoning the stream, and handle multiple frames in one packet. The wire protocol changed in this release — if you are upgrading from the earlier P1 build, you must reload the Remote Script in Live (re-select the Control Surface, or restart Live) so both ends speak the same framing.

Security

Loopback by construction, not by firewall convention.

The Remote Script binds its socket with HOST = "127.0.0.1" as a hard constant. There is no operator override, no bind-address config key, and no environment variable that can widen it. Because the socket is bound to the loopback interface, the operating-system kernel never associates it with the host's LAN/routable interface, so a connection from any non-loopback address is refused at the socket layer — you do not need a firewall rule for this, and no firewall misconfiguration can undo it.

Contrast with upstream ahujasid/ableton-mcp, which binds 0.0.0.0 — that accepts connections from any interface, meaning any device on the same LAN can issue unauthenticated commands to Ableton. That is the exposure this fork removes.

This build also contains no telemetry — the upstream telemetry module, the user_prompt capture parameter, and the analytics dependency are all removed (not merely disabled).

Residual risk (local processes). Any process running on the same machine can still reach 127.0.0.1:9877. This is the same trust posture as every local stdio MCP server and every local development service. The loopback bind protects against remote/LAN attackers, not against other local processes on a machine you already trust. Finer per-tool consent is out of scope for this component.

License

MIT. See LICENSE. Forked from ahujasid/ableton-mcp (MIT, copyright (c) 2025 Siddharth Ahuja); the upstream copyright is preserved in LICENSE.

Development

pip install -e .[test]
pytest                       # security probe + tool-surface tests (no Ableton needed)
python -m ableton_mcp_loopback.server   # run the server (will retry to reach Live)

The tests under tests/ are all runnable without Ableton: they assert the loopback bind constant, scan the tree for any wide-bind literal, exercise a real loopback socket to prove a non-loopback connect is refused (plus an always-run structural guard that the bind is loopback, so the security check can never go green on a skip), check full upstream tool-surface parity on both the server and the Remote Script, exercise the newline-delimited message framing (partial / multi-frame / malformed / oversized handling), and exercise the parameter validation. The full LOM smoke (create track → notes → fire → audible) requires a live Ableton Live and is run separately.

Available Tools

21 tools
add_notes_to_clipA
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
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
notesYes
clip_indexYes
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.8/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, and the description only says 'Add MIDI notes.' It does not disclose whether notes are appended or replace existing ones, or any side effects or requirements.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Concise, front-loaded with the purpose, then lists parameters in a structured manner. No unnecessary words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Covers purpose and parameter semantics, but does not mention that the target clip must be a MIDI clip or that notes are additive, nor does it describe the output despite an output schema being available.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema has 0% description coverage, but the description lists all required fields for each note dictionary (pitch, start_time, duration, velocity, mute), adding critical meaning beyond the schema's generic 'additionalProperties'.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Description clearly states 'Add MIDI notes to a clip,' specifying verb, resource, and scope. No sibling tool performs this action, so it is distinct.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor any prerequisites or exclusions. However, no sibling adds notes, so usage is straightforward.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

create_audio_clipA
Create a new audio clip in an audio track's clip slot by importing a file.

Requires Ableton Live 12.0.5 or newer — the underlying
ClipSlot.create_audio_clip Live API was introduced in 12.0.5 and is not
available in earlier 12.0.x releases.

Parameters:
- track_index: The index of the audio track to create the clip in
- clip_index: The index of the clip slot to create the clip in
- path: Absolute path to a supported audio file (e.g. a .wav). The target
  track must be an audio track and the clip slot must be empty.
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathYes
clip_indexYes
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A4.1/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It discloses the creation action, required file import, version constraints, and slot emptiness precondition. However, it does not mention error handling or side effects beyond the preconditions.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise with a clear structure: purpose statement, version requirement, then parameter list. No redundant information, but could be slightly more organized with bullet points.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's moderate complexity, three parameters, and existence of output schema, the description covers purpose, preconditions, and parameter semantics. It omits error scenarios but is otherwise complete for agent action selection.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%, but description adds meaning for each parameter: 'track_index' is explained as index of audio track, 'clip_index' as slot index, 'path' as absolute path to supported audio file. This compensates for the schema gap, though file type examples are limited.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool creates a new audio clip in an audio track's clip slot by importing a file. This is a specific verb+resource combination that distinguishes it from siblings like 'create_clip' or 'fire_clip'.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides version requirements (Ableton Live 12.0.5+) and preconditions (track must be audio, slot must be empty) but lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'create_clip' or when not to use it.

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)
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
lengthNo
clip_indexYes
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavior. It fails to mention what happens if the clip slot is occupied, whether the clip is empty or has default content, or any side effects like auto-naming. The output schema exists but is not referenced.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Extremely concise and well-structured: one sentence describing purpose followed by a clean list of parameters. Every sentence is useful with no redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

While it explains parameters, it lacks context on return values (despite an output schema), error conditions (e.g., invalid track index, occupied slot), and prerequisites. For a creation tool with no annotations, more completeness is expected.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 0% schema description coverage, the description adds meaningful parameter explanations (track_index, clip_index, length with default 4.0). This provides essential context beyond the bare schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states 'Create a new MIDI clip in the specified track and clip slot,' using a specific verb and resource that distinguishes it from sibling tools like create_audio_clip and add_notes_to_clip.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as add_notes_to_clip or create_audio_clip. No prerequisites or conditions (e.g., empty clip slot, MIDI track) are mentioned.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

create_midi_trackA
Create a new MIDI track in the Ableton session.

Parameters:
- index: The index to insert the track at (-1 = end of list)
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
indexNo

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. Only states the action and parameter, omitting any side effects, permissions required, or impact on the session. Minimal disclosure beyond the basic creation.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences, no redundancy. Purpose is front-loaded, parameter explanation follows. Every word earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Adequate for a simple creation tool with one parameter and an output schema (not shown). However, without annotations, it lacks details on return values, errors, or session state changes. Meets minimum viability but leaves gaps.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The description explains the 'index' parameter meaningfully: 'The index to insert the track at (-1 = end of list)'. This adds context beyond the schema (which only shows default -1), and with 0% schema description coverage, fully compensates.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Clearly states 'Create a new MIDI track in the Ableton session.' The verb 'create' and resource 'MIDI track' are specific, and among siblings like 'create_audio_clip' and 'create_clip', it uniquely identifies creating a track, not a clip.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. Does not mention prerequisites, conditions, or cases where other tools (e.g., create_audio_clip) would be more appropriate.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

duplicate_to_arrangementA
Copy a Session-view clip into the Arrangement timeline.

Uses Live's track.duplicate_clip_to_arrangement() API (Live 11 / 12). The
clip is placed at destination_time beats from the start of the arrangement on
the same track it lives in.

Typical workflow:
  1. create_clip / add_notes_to_clip to build a Session clip
  2. Call duplicate_to_arrangement once per bar/section you need
  3. Call switch_to_arrangement_view to confirm the result in Live

Parameters:
- track_index:       Index of the track that owns the Session clip
- clip_index:        Index of the clip slot in that track (Session view)
- destination_time:  Beat position in the arrangement to place the clip
                     (e.g. 0.0 = start, 8.0 = bar 3 in 4/4)
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
clip_indexYes
track_indexYes
destination_timeYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A4.3/5.0
Behavior3/5

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 explains the tool copies a clip to the arrangement timeline at a specified beat position on the same track. However, it does not disclose side effects (e.g., overwriting existing clips at that position), permissions, or error conditions. This is adequate but could be more transparent.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise: two short paragraphs and a bulleted list. It front-loads the main purpose, then provides a workflow and parameter details. Every sentence adds value, with no redundant or verbose phrasing.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity (3 parameters, no annotations, but an output schema exists), the description covers the core functionality and workflow. It could be more complete by addressing potential errors or dependencies (e.g., session clip must exist), but it is sufficient for most use cases.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 0% coverage (no descriptions), but the description provides clear, detailed definitions for all three parameters: track_index ('Index of the track that owns the Session clip'), clip_index ('Index of the clip slot in that track'), and destination_time ('Beat position in the arrangement' with examples). This adds essential meaning beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Copy a Session-view clip into the Arrangement timeline.' This specific verb+resource combination distinguishes it from sibling tools like 'fire_clip' (which plays in session view) and 'get_arrangement_clips' (which retrieves existing clips).

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides a 'Typical workflow' with explicit steps (create_clip, duplicate_to_arrangement, switch_to_arrangement_view), guiding when to use this tool. It does not explicitly state when not to use it or list alternatives, but the workflow context is clear enough for an agent.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

fire_clipB
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
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
clip_indexYes
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

B3.2/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations provided, so the description must disclose behavior. It only says 'Start playing a clip' without stating what happens if the clip is already playing, whether it resets the position, or if it triggers automation. Side effects are completely opaque.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Extremely concise with a single sentence for purpose and a structured parameter list. Every word is necessary; no filler. Front-loaded with the core action.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity (2 integer parameters) and presence of an output schema, the description is minimally complete. However, it omits behavioral context like idempotency, state transitions, or error conditions, which would be helpful for an AI agent.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Despite 0% schema description coverage, the description explains both parameters ('track_index' and 'clip_index') with brief role statements ('the index of the track containing the clip'). This adds meaning beyond the schema's titles, though it could specify indexing start (0 or 1).

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

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') with a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes from sibling tools like 'stop_clip' and 'create_clip' by implying playback control, though it doesn't explicitly differentiate.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'stop_clip' or 'start_playback'. It lacks context on prerequisites (e.g., clip must exist) or conditions (e.g., track must be armed).

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

get_arrangement_clipsA
List all clips placed in the Arrangement timeline for a track.

Returns each clip's name, start_time, end_time, length, and type.

Parameters:
- track_index: The index of the track to inspect
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose all behavioral traits. It mentions the return format but does not state whether the tool is idempotent, safe to call, or any side effects. It lacks explicit reassurance about read-only behavior.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is extremely concise: three sentences covering purpose, return fields, and parameter. No redundant information. Every sentence adds value.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity (1 parameter, output schema exists), the description covers the essential aspects: what it does, what it returns, and how to specify the track. It could mention any constraints on track_index but is otherwise complete.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The description explicitly documents the only parameter 'track_index' as 'The index of the track to inspect', which adds meaning beyond the schema's bare integer type and title. Since schema coverage is 0%, this description fully compensates.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action (List), the resource (clips in the Arrangement timeline), and context (for a track). It distinguishes from sibling tools like create_clip or fire_clip by specifying 'Arrangement timeline' and 'list'.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explicitly states 'List all clips placed in the Arrangement timeline' which implies a read-only query. It does not provide alternative tools for similar actions, but the context of sibling tools makes the usage clear.

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_pathA
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
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.7/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are present, so the description must carry the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only describes the operation as 'Get', implying read-only, but does not explicitly state side effects, authentication needs, or error behavior. This leaves significant gaps for the agent.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is two concise sentences: one for purpose and one for the parameter. It is front-loaded, efficient, and contains no filler. Every sentence earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the presence of an output schema, the description does not need to explain return values. However, it omits important context such as error handling for invalid paths or behavior when the path does not exist. It is adequate for a simple read tool but not thorough.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 0% schema description coverage, the description adds meaningful parameter guidance by specifying the format 'category/folder/subfolder' and explaining that category is one of the available browser categories. This compensates well for the empty schema description.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description starts with a clear verb 'Get' and specifies the resource 'browser items' and context 'at a specific path in Ableton's browser'. This immediately distinguishes it from sibling 'get_browser_tree', which retrieves the tree structure rather than items at a path.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage when a specific path is known, but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like get_browser_tree. No when-not-to-use guidance or exclusion criteria are provided, leaving the agent to infer usage context.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

get_browser_treeA
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')
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
category_typeNoall

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.8/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It states the tool returns a hierarchical tree, but does not disclose any behavioral traits like read-only safety, required permissions, or rate limits. However, the action is inherently a read, so the disclosure is minimally acceptable.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is extremely concise with two sentences: one for purpose and one listing parameters. It is front-loaded and contains no superfluous words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the output schema exists, the description does not need to explain return values. For a simple retrieval tool with one optional parameter, the description covers the main purpose and parameter semantics. No mention of pagination or limits, but likely unnecessary.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema only has a default value and no enum, so the description adds value by listing the allowed values for 'category_type' (all, instruments, sounds, etc.), which is not present in the schema. Schema coverage is 0%, so description compensates well.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

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 categories', and specifies the output as a 'hierarchical tree'. This distinguishes it from the sibling tool 'get_browser_items_at_path' which likely retrieves items within a category, not the hierarchical structure.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

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 'get_browser_items_at_path'. It mentions parameters but no context about usage scenarios, such as when to fetch the full tree vs specific subcategories.

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.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

B3.2/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only states 'Get detailed information' but does not clarify that the tool is read-only, requires no authentication, or has no side effects. The return format is presumably defined by the output schema, but the description adds no behavioral context.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single sentence that is extremely concise and front-loaded with the purpose. Every word is meaningful, and there is no wasted text.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool has no parameters and an output schema exists, the description is minimally adequate. However, it does not elaborate on what 'detailed information' includes or provide use-case context, leaving room for improvement.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has zero parameters, so schema description coverage is 100%. The description adds no parameter semantics because none exist, meeting the baseline expectation for a parameterless tool.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

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 'detailed information about the current Ableton session', making the purpose obvious. It distinguishes from siblings like 'get_track_info' and 'get_arrangement_clips' by focusing on session-level data, though it does not explicitly differentiate.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

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 such as 'get_track_info' or 'get_browser_tree'. The description lacks context about typical scenarios or exclusions.

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
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

C2.9/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, and the description does not disclose any behavioral traits such as read-only nature, required permissions, or side effects. The description carries the full burden for transparency but offers only the basic purpose.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is very concise with two sentences, front-loading the purpose. However, it is so brief that it may omit useful details, balancing efficiency and completeness.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the existence of an output schema (though not visible), the description does not need to detail return values. However, it does not explain what 'detailed information' entails, leaving gaps for a simple tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 0% schema description coverage, the description adds minimal meaning by explaining 'track_index' as 'The index of the track to get information about'. This is a basic explanation but not rich or detailed.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool gets detailed information about a specific track in Ableton, with a specific verb and resource. However, it does not differentiate from sibling tools like get_arrangement_clips or get_session_info.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

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, nor any context on prerequisites or exclusions. The description simply restates the action.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

load_drum_kitA
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')
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
kit_pathYes
rack_uriYes
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description must cover behavioral traits, but it only describes the basic operation: loading a drum rack then a kit. It does not disclose side effects (e.g., overwriting existing clips), required track state, error conditions, or the output schema. This is insufficient for full behavioral transparency.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is short, front-loaded with the main purpose, and then presents a clear, enumerated parameter list. Every sentence serves a purpose with no redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a tool with 3 required parameters and no annotations, the description covers the parameters but lacks details about preconditions (e.g., the track must exist and be a MIDI track), postconditions, and the output schema. Additional context on return values or error handling would improve completeness.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 0% description coverage, but the tool's description provides explicit explanations for all three parameters: track_index, rack_uri, and kit_path, including an example for kit_path. This adds significant value beyond the bare schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's action: 'Load a drum rack and then load a specific drum kit into it.' It specifies the two-step process and lists the exact parameters, making the purpose unambiguous. It distinguishes from sibling tools like load_instrument_or_effect by focusing on drum-specific loading.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

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 such as load_instrument_or_effect. The description does not mention prerequisites, typical use cases, or when not to use it, leaving the agent to infer from the name alone.

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')
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
uriYes
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

B3.1/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are present, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only says 'load onto a track' but does not mention side effects (e.g., replacing existing devices), error states (invalid URI, missing track), or required permissions. This is insufficient for safe invocation.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is fairly concise with two sentences, but the 'Parameters:' label is unnecessary. It is front-loaded with the main action, making it easy to scan.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool loads an instrument/effect onto a track, the description omits critical context: whether the track must exist, what happens if it's already occupied, error handling for invalid URIs, and any side effects. With no annotations and few parameters, the description should provide more completeness.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has no descriptions (0% coverage). The description adds meaning by explaining track_index as 'the index of the track' and uri with an example, but lacks details on URI format constraints or track_index bounds. It provides more than the schema alone but not fully compensating.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool loads an instrument or effect onto a track using a URI, specifying the verb and resource. It distinguishes from sibling tools like load_drum_kit by being general.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

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 vs alternatives like load_drum_kit, nor does it mention prerequisites or exclusions. This leaves the agent without context for appropriate usage.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

set_arrangement_timeA
Move the arrangement playhead to a specific position.

Parameters:
- time: Position in beats from the start of the arrangement (e.g. 8.0 = bar 3
  in 4/4)
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
timeYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.9/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the action but lacks details on whether it works during playback, if it stops playback, or any side effects. The behavior is partially transparent.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Extremely concise with one line for purpose and a parameter explanation. No wasted words; information is front-loaded.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Minimally adequate. The description does not mention what the tool returns (output schema exists but is not described) or any prerequisites. For a simple tool, this may suffice but could be more complete.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The description adds significant meaning to the 'time' parameter by explaining it is in beats from start and providing an example. Since schema coverage is 0%, this compensation is effective.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Description clearly states the tool's action: moving the arrangement playhead to a specific position. It uses a specific verb (Move) and resource (arrangement playhead), distinguishing it from sibling tools that control playback or clips.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage for setting the playhead position but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. No when-not conditions or alternative suggestions are given.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

set_clip_nameA
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
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nameYes
clip_indexYes
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are present, so the description carries full burden. It only states the action without disclosing side effects, permissions, or state requirements. The agent gains no insight beyond the basic operation.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is extremely concise: one sentence and a bullet list. It front-loads the action and structure, wasting no words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple mutation tool with an output schema, the description covers the essential information: which track and clip to target and the new name. It could mention zero-based indexing, but otherwise complete.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 0%, but the description manually explains each parameter (track_index, clip_index, name) with brief context. This adds significant meaning beyond the raw schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states 'Set the name of a clip' with a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'create_clip' or 'fire_clip' by focusing on renaming an existing clip.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

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 (e.g., when a clip already exists, prerequisites like track index validity). The description simply lists parameters without context.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

set_tempoA
Set the tempo of the Ableton session.

Parameters:
- tempo: The new tempo in BPM
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
tempoYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.8/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries full burden but only says 'Set the tempo'. It does not disclose whether the change is instantaneous, affects playback, or requires specific access.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is extremely concise with two lines, no redundant phrases, and front-loads the core action.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple setter with one parameter and an existing output schema, the description is fairly complete, though it could optionally mention common tempo ranges or validation.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description compensates by providing the unit ('BPM') for the tempo parameter, which adds meaning beyond the schema's type and title.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('Set the tempo') and the target resource ('Ableton session'), which distinguishes it from sibling tools like set_arrangement_time or set_track_name.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies the tool should be used to change tempo, but provides no explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives or any context about prerequisites or side effects.

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
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nameYes
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

B3.3/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, and the description only states the action without detailing side effects, permissions, or constraints. For a mutation tool, this is insufficient transparency.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is short and to the point, with a clear listing of parameters. It is efficient but could be slightly more structured.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the simplicity of the tool and the existence of an output schema, the description covers the essential action. It does not mention errors or constraints, but for a rename operation, it is mostly complete.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The description adds context by explaining that 'track_index' is the index to rename and 'name' is the new name. However, schema coverage is 0%, so the description provides minimal value beyond the schema's type and required fields.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states 'Set the name of a track,' which is a specific verb+resource. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'set_clip_name' and 'get_track_info.'

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'set_clip_name' or 'get_track_info.' No exclusions or context for appropriate use.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

start_playbackA

Start playing the Ableton session.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.8/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It fails to disclose behavior like whether it resets play position, works when already playing, or any error conditions.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

A single, clear sentence with no redundancy. Perfectly front-loaded and concise.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the zero-parameter, simple action and presence of an output schema, the description is adequate. However, it could mention state effects or confirmation more explicitly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

No parameters exist, and schema coverage is 100%. The description does not need to add parameter meaning. Baseline 4 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description explicitly states 'Start playing the Ableton session' with a clear verb and resource. It distinguishes from siblings like 'stop_playback' and 'fire_clip'.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The context is implied but not stated, missing potential exclusions or prerequisites.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

stop_clipA
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
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
clip_indexYes
track_indexYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.7/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The description discloses the core behavior (stopping a clip) but with no annotations, it does not cover prerequisites, error conditions, or side effects. It is minimally transparent for a simple action.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, front-loaded sentence followed by a concise parameter list. Every word serves a purpose with no redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple tool with 2 parameters and an output schema, the description covers the basic action and parameter meanings. However, it omits details like idempotency or what happens if the clip is not playing, which would improve completeness.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The description adds meaning to the two parameters by explaining what each index refers to (track containing the clip, clip slot containing the clip). However, it lacks details like valid ranges or zero-based indexing. With 0% schema coverage, it provides essential but not thorough information.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb 'stop' and the resource 'clip', which is distinct from sibling tools like 'fire_clip' and 'stop_playback'. The purpose is unambiguous.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implicitly indicates when to use (to stop a specific clip) but provides no guidance on when not to use or alternatives like 'stop_playback'. No exclusions or context are given.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

stop_playbackA

Stop playing the Ableton session.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.8/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It discloses the core behavior (stopping playback) but does not elaborate on side effects (e.g., whether playback position is reset, if any audio is cut off, or if this triggers any internal state changes). For a simple tool, this is adequate but not thorough.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single short sentence with no extraneous words. It is highly concise and front-loaded with the essential action.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool has no parameters and an output schema exists (covering return values), the description is largely complete. However, it could briefly mention that the session's transport is stopped or that no return value is expected.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

There are no parameters, and schema coverage is 100%. The description adds no parameter details, but none are needed. The baseline for zero parameters is 4.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb 'Stop' and the resource 'playing the Ableton session', making the purpose unmistakable. It inherently distinguishes from sibling tools like 'stop_clip' (stops a specific clip) and 'start_playback' (opposite action).

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No usage guidelines are provided. The description does not specify when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'stop_clip' or 'fire_clip', nor does it mention any prerequisites or context for use.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

switch_to_arrangement_viewB

Switch Ableton's main window to the Arrangement view.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

B3.4/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations exist, and the description fails to disclose any behavioral traits such as side effects, state changes, or error conditions.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

A single, concise sentence that directly states the tool's purpose with no superfluous content.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a zero-parameter tool with an output schema, the description is adequately complete for its simplicity, though it could mention that switching is instantaneous or that it returns the new view state.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

There are no parameters, and the description adds minimal meaning beyond the name. It clarifies the target (Ableton's main window) but does not elaborate on usage or behavior.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action (switch) and the target (Ableton's main window to Arrangement view). It is specific and distinguishes from sibling tools like get_arrangement_clips or set_arrangement_time.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

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, nor any context about prerequisites or expected outcomes.

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.

  1. 21 tool updatesv0.1.0
    • First observedadd_notes_to_clip
    • First observedcreate_audio_clip
    • First observedcreate_clip
    • First observedcreate_midi_track
    • First observedduplicate_to_arrangement
    • First observedfire_clip
    • First observedget_arrangement_clips
    • First observedget_browser_items_at_path
    • First observedget_browser_tree
    • First observedget_session_info
    • First observedget_track_info
    • First observedload_drum_kit
    • First observedload_instrument_or_effect
    • First observedset_arrangement_time
    • First observedset_clip_name
    • First observedset_tempo
    • First observedset_track_name
    • First observedstart_playback
    • First observedstop_clip
    • First observedstop_playback
    • First observedswitch_to_arrangement_view

TDQS

A3.7/5.0
Disambiguation5/5

Each tool has a clearly distinct purpose, from track/clip creation to playback and arrangement management. No overlapping or ambiguous tools.

Naming Consistency4/5

Most tools follow a verb_noun pattern (e.g., create_midi_track, set_tempo). Minor deviations like duplicate_to_arrangement and switch_to_arrangement_view are still clear and predictable.

Tool Count5/5

21 tools cover the essential operations for Ableton Live session control without being excessive or sparse. Each tool adds value.

Completeness4/5

The surface covers core workflows (create, edit, play, browse) but lacks delete/remove operations for tracks or clips, which is a minor gap.

Maintenance

ActivityStale
ResponsivenessNo issues

Resources

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