ableton-mcp

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import_midi_file

Destructive

Load a local MIDI file into an empty Session MIDI track in Ableton Live through MCP, verifying clip structure and track state before execution.

Instructions

Import a local MIDI file through macOS English Live into an entirely empty final Session MIDI staging track. Requires muted, unarmed, monitoring off, No Output and stopped recording/playback. Verifies exact file selection and observed clip/object structure; multitrack files may add tracks. No complete event or audible equivalence claim. All profile.

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description
`clipId`	Yes	list_clips Session ID or supported list_arrangement_clips ID.
`dryRun`	No	False executes with token and hash.
`trackId`	Yes	ID from list_tracks.
`planHash`	No	Plan hash.
`sourcePath`	Yes	Existing absolute regular .mid/.smf file, at most 8 MiB and 256 declared MIDI tracks.
`confirmationToken`	No	Single-use plan token.
`expectedStateVersion`	Yes	Observed stateVersion.
`expectedSetFingerprint`	Yes	Current Set fingerprint from get_live_state.

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
No arguments

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

Changed3 schema fields changedv0.3.1Oct 23, 2026

changedInput schema / properties / clipId / description

Previous value: -"Session ID from list_clips; Arrangement ID from list_arrangement_clips where supported."New value: +"list_clips Session ID or supported list_arrangement_clips ID."

removedOutput schema / additionalProperties
```
Removed value: -true
```

addedOutput schema / anyOf

Added value: +[
+  {
+    "oneOf": [
+      {
+        "properties": {
+          "confirmation": {
+            "properties": {
+              "expiresAt": {
+                "type": "number"
+              },
+              "planHash": {
+                "pattern": "^[a-f0-9]{64}$",
+                "type": "string"
+              },
+              "token": {
+                "minLength": 1,
+                "type": "string"
+              }
+            },
+            "required": [
+              "token",
+              "planHash",
+              "expiresAt"
+            ],
+            "type": "object"
+          },
+          "dryRun": {
+            "const": true
+          },
+          "plan": {
+            "type": "object"
+          }
+        },
+        "required": [
+          "dryRun",
+          "plan",
+          "confirmation"
+        ],
+        "type": "object"
+      },
+      {
+        "properties": {
+          "dryRun": {
+            "const": false
+          },
+          "operationOutcome": {
+            "properties": {
+              "evidence": {
+                "items": {
+                  "type": "string"
+                },
+                "type": "array"
+              },
+              "reason": {
+                "type": "string"
+              },
+              "schemaVersion": {
+                "const": 1
+              },
+              "status": {
+                "enum": [
+                  "applied",
+                  "outcome_unknown",
+                  "postconditions_failed",
+                  "pending_postconditions",
+                  "pending_user_action"
+                ]
+              }
+            },
+            "required": [
+              "schemaVersion",
+              "status",
+              "reason",
+              "evidence"
+            ],
+            "type": "object"
+          }
+        },
+        "required": [
+          "dryRun",
+          "operationOutcome"
+        ],
+        "type": "object"
+      }
+    ],
+    "properties": {
+      "dryRun": {
+        "type": "boolean"
+      }
+    },
+    "required": [
+      "dryRun"
+    ],
+    "type": "object"
+  },
+  {
+    "properties": {
+      "error": {
+        "properties": {
+          "message": {
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "outcome": {
+            "enum": [
+              "unknown",
+              "not_executed"
+            ]
+          }
+        },
+        "required": [
+          "message",
+          "outcome"
+        ],
+        "type": "object"
+      }
+    },
+    "required": [
+      "error"
+    ],
+    "type": "object"
+  }
+]

Addedv0.3.0Oct 19, 2026

TDQS

A3.8/5.0

Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already flag destructive=true, idempotent=false, openWorld=true. The description adds substantial behavior beyond that: the required target state, that it verifies file selection and clip/object structure, that multitrack files may add tracks, and the explicit caveat that no complete event or audible equivalence is claimed.

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

Conciseness3/5

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

Front-loaded with the purpose, but the prose is dense and jargony, and the trailing fragment 'All profile.' carries no discernible meaning. The preconditions and caveats earn their place, but the phrasing could be tightened.

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?

An output schema exists, so return values need not be explained. The description covers preconditions, mutation behavior, and fidelity caveats, which is adequate for a destructive multi-param import tool. Only minor gaps remain, such as no explicit sibling routing.

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 coverage is 100%, so all eight parameters are already documented in the schema (sourcePath limits, IDs, token, hashes). The description adds little parameter-level meaning beyond the staging-track context, 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 and resource: importing a local MIDI file into an empty Session MIDI staging track. It is concrete about the destination and scope, but it never names or distinguishes itself from related siblings like create_midi_clip or the analyze/plan MIDI tools.

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?

Gives clear preconditions for use: muted, unarmed, monitoring off, No Output, and stopped recording/playback. This tells the agent when the tool is safe to invoke. It stops short of naming an alternative tool or an explicit when-not-to-use case.

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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