talkback — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Connects your Ableton Live session to local coding assistants. Lets you inspect track routing, tweak plugin parameters, and check mix balance via chat.
claude mcp add --env WS_PORT=<WS_PORT> --transport stdio talkback -- npx -y talkback-mcpWhat talkback does
The setup links an Ableton Live 11+ project with an assistant using a companion Max for Live device loaded on the master channel. Session data streams over a local WebSocket port, defaulting to 8765. The assistant inspects track volume, pan positions, send levels, and detected AU or VST3 plugins.
Through its MCP toolset, the agent can capture short spectral snapshots directly from the master bus or run heuristic checks for dynamic headroom and frequency masking. Parameter edits accept standard audio values like decibels, hertz, and milliseconds. Devices can also be bypassed instantly to compare changes.
Browser-based web chats cannot access the local WebSocket endpoint. Running the server requires a desktop MCP client and Node.js 18 or newer.
What it helps with
- analyze mix headroom and frequency balance across the master bus
- adjust device settings like EQ cutoffs in decibels and hertz
- create group tracks and configure track output routing
- inspect installed AU and VST3 plugins available in the session
Example prompts for the agent
- Cut 3 dB at 300 Hz on the vocal track EQ
- Check the current session for obvious dynamic issues and frequency masking
- Show all active tracks, volume balances, and send routings
How to install talkback
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env WS_PORT=<WS_PORT> --transport stdio talkback -- npx -y talkback-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
codex mcp add talkback --env WS_PORT=<WS_PORT> -- npx -y talkback-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"talkback": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"talkback-mcp"
],
"env": {
"WS_PORT": "<WS_PORT>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"servers": {
"talkback": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"talkback-mcp"
],
"env": {
"WS_PORT": "<WS_PORT>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e WS_PORT=<WS_PORT> talkback npx -y talkback-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about talkback
How to install talkback in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add talkback -- npx -y talkback-mcp. If you run the WebSocket bridge on a custom port, run claude mcp add --env WS_PORT=<WS_PORT> --transport stdio talkback -- npx -y talkback-mcp.
What does talkback do?
It lets desktop AI assistants read and control an open Ableton Live session. The model can inspect track settings, capture audio spectrum data, and tweak effects parameters through conversational prompts.
What are the requirements for running talkback?
You need Ableton Live 11 or newer with Max for Live, Node.js 18+, and a desktop MCP client. The companion talkback bridge device must stay active on your master track.
