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get_device_hierarchy

Read-onlyIdempotent

Read rack chains, mixers, populated Drum Rack pads, and macro/variation state to inspect an Ableton Live device hierarchy.

Instructions

Read rack chains/mixers, populated Drum Rack pads and macro/variation state. Available macro_mappings include displayed target path, parameter and min/max; paths are descriptive, not stable IDs. Variation contents are unavailable.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
trackIdYestrack-N from list_tracks, return-N from get_set_mixer, or master.
deviceIdYesID from list_devices.

Output Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed2 schema fields changedv0.3.1
    • removedOutput schema / additionalProperties
      Removed value: -true
    • addedOutput schema / anyOf
      Added value: +[
+  {
+    "properties": {
+      "device": {
+        "type": "object"
+      },
+      "stateVersion": {
+        "minimum": 1,
+        "type": "integer"
+      },
+      "trackId": {
+        "type": "string"
+      }
+    },
+    "required": [
+      "stateVersion",
+      "trackId",
+      "device"
+    ],
+    "type": "object"
+  },
+  {
+    "properties": {
+      "error": {
+        "properties": {
+          "message": {
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "outcome": {
+            "enum": [
+              "unknown",
+              "not_executed"
+            ]
+          }
+        },
+        "required": [
+          "message",
+          "outcome"
+        ],
+        "type": "object"
+      }
+    },
+    "required": [
+      "error"
+    ],
+    "type": "object"
+  }
+]
  2. Changed3 schema fields changedv0.3.0
    • changedInput schema / properties / deviceId / description
      Previous value: -"Stable device ID returned by list_devices."New value: +"ID from list_devices."
    • changedInput schema / properties / trackId / description
      Previous value: -"Stable device-owner ID: track-N from list_tracks, return-N from get_set_mixer, or master."New value: +"track-N from list_tracks, return-N from get_set_mixer, or master."
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
+  "additionalProperties": true,
+  "type": "object"
+}
  3. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already declare a safe, idempotent read, so the description adds real value beyond them: it discloses that macro paths are descriptive rather than stable IDs, that variation contents are unavailable, and what macro_mappings fields contain. These are meaningful behavioral details an agent cannot get from the annotations.

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?

Three tight sentences, front-loaded with the core read action, followed by output caveats. No filler, though the second sentence is dense and could be slightly better segmented.

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?

With an output schema present, return values need not be explained, yet the description still clarifies the shape of macro_mappings and the limits on variations. Combined with full param coverage, an agent has what it needs to call the tool correctly.

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?

Schema description coverage is 100% (trackId and deviceId are documented, including accepted source formats), so the schema carries parameter semantics. The description adds no parameter-level detail, so the baseline 3 applies.

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?

States a specific verb (Read) and concrete resources (rack chains/mixers, Drum Rack pads, macro/variation state), which is clearly scoped and distinct from sibling inspection tools. It does not explicitly name the sibling it complements, but the resource list is specific enough to identify the tool.

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?

There is no guidance on when to use this versus alternatives like get_rack_performance_context, inspect_producer_chain, or get_device_ab_context, nor any stated prerequisites. The agent must infer usage from the resource scope alone.

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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