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fire_clip

Start playing a specific clip in Ableton Live by specifying track and clip indices, enabling AI-assisted music production control.

Instructions

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

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
track_indexYes
clip_indexYes

Implementation Reference

  • MCP tool handler for 'fire_clip' that proxies the command to the Ableton remote script via socket connection.
    @mcp.tool()
    def fire_clip(ctx: Context, track_index: int, clip_index: int) -> str:
        """
        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
        """
        try:
            ableton = get_ableton_connection()
            result = ableton.send_command("fire_clip", {
                "track_index": track_index,
                "clip_index": clip_index
            })
            return f"Started playing clip at track {track_index}, slot {clip_index}"
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"Error firing clip: {str(e)}")
            return f"Error firing clip: {str(e)}"
  • Actual Ableton Live API implementation that fires the clip slot using Live's Python API.
    def _fire_clip(self, track_index, clip_index):
        """Fire a clip"""
        try:
            if track_index < 0 or track_index >= len(self._song.tracks):
                raise IndexError("Track index out of range")
            
            track = self._song.tracks[track_index]
            
            if clip_index < 0 or clip_index >= len(track.clip_slots):
                raise IndexError("Clip index out of range")
            
            clip_slot = track.clip_slots[clip_index]
            
            if not clip_slot.has_clip:
                raise Exception("No clip in slot")
            
            clip_slot.fire()
            
            result = {
                "fired": True
            }
            return result
        except Exception as e:
            self.log_message("Error firing clip: " + str(e))
            raise
  • Dispatching logic in remote script that routes 'fire_clip' command to the _fire_clip handler.
    elif command_type == "fire_clip":
        track_index = params.get("track_index", 0)
        clip_index = params.get("clip_index", 0)
        result = self._fire_clip(track_index, clip_index)
  • 'fire_clip' listed as a state-modifying command in AbletonConnection.send_command for special handling (delays).
    is_modifying_command = command_type in [
        "create_midi_track", "create_audio_track", "set_track_name",
        "create_clip", "add_notes_to_clip", "set_clip_name",
        "set_tempo", "fire_clip", "stop_clip", "set_device_parameter",
Behavior2/5

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.

Conciseness4/5

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.

Completeness2/5

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.

Parameters3/5

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.

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') 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.

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. 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.

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