# talkback

Connects your Ableton Live session to local coding assistants. Lets you inspect track routing, tweak plugin parameters, and check mix balance via chat.

- MCP server · `type=mcp` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, Zed, Gemini CLI · ★ 25
- Author: jmedure
- License: not stated · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/jmedure/talkback-mcp
- Updated: 2026-03-24
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/talkback

## What it 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.

## Requirements
- Needs: Node.js (commands run via npx)
- Environment variables: `WS_PORT` — keys and tokens: ask the human for the values, never commit them or put them in shared files.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

**Platform CLI**
```bash
claude mcp add --env WS_PORT=<WS_PORT> --transport stdio talkback -- npx -y talkback-mcp
```
Replace <…> with your own values

### Codex

**Platform CLI**
```bash
codex mcp add talkback --env WS_PORT=<WS_PORT> -- npx -y talkback-mcp
```
Replace <…> with your own values

### Cursor

**Config file**
File `.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "talkback": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "talkback-mcp"
            ],
            "env": {
                "WS_PORT": "<WS_PORT>"
            }
        }
    }
}
```
Replace <…> with your own values

### GitHub Copilot

**Config file**
File `.vscode/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "servers": {
        "talkback": {
            "type": "stdio",
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "talkback-mcp"
            ],
            "env": {
                "WS_PORT": "<WS_PORT>"
            }
        }
    }
}
```
Replace <…> with your own values

### Gemini CLI

**Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini mcp add -e WS_PORT=<WS_PORT> talkback npx -y talkback-mcp
```
Replace <…> with your own values

## When to use it
- 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
- 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

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NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md