ableton-mcp

Overview Schema Source Related Servers Discussions Admin

set_simpler_manual_slices

Destructive

Define precise manual slice positions on a Simpler, clearing previous cuts and switching to Manual mode. Requires stopped transport and inactive target; verifies slices without cropping the sample.

Instructions

Set an exact manual slice layout on a loaded single-sample Simpler, including nested racks. Selects Slicing/Manual mode, disables Pad Slicing and clears prior manual cuts, including outside the active region. Requires stopped transport and an inactive unarmed target; verifies native slices and retained sample. No file crop/reload or automatic rollback. All profile.

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description
`dryRun`	No	False executes with token and hash.
`trackId`	Yes	ID from list_tracks.
`deviceId`	Yes	ID from list_devices.
`planHash`	No	Plan hash.
`slicesFrames`	Yes	Complete playable layout in increasing sample frames, beginning at observed startMarkerFrames and strictly below endMarkerFrames.
`confirmationToken`	No	Single-use plan token.
`slicingPlaybackMode`	No	Optional slice playback: one slice, overlapping slices, or play from a slice through the region. Omit to retain observed setting.
`expectedStateVersion`	Yes	Observed stateVersion.

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
No arguments

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

Changed2 schema fields changedv0.3.1Oct 23, 2026

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

A4.3/5.0

Behavior5/5

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

Goes well beyond the destructiveHint/non-idempotent annotations by disclosing that it clears prior manual cuts including outside the active region, selects Slicing/Manual mode, disables Pad Slicing, performs no file crop/reload or automatic rollback, and verifies native slices and retained sample. This is exactly the extra mutation context an agent needs.

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?

Front-loaded with the action, then prerequisites and side effects; nearly every clause carries operational meaning. The telegraphic fragments ('All profile.') are terse but not wasteful.

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 annotations, a full schema, and an output schema present, the description supplies the behavior and preconditions that structured fields cannot convey. Only the absence of explicit alternative-tool routing keeps it from being fully complete.

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%, so every parameter is already documented in the schema; the description adds no syntax or format detail beyond reinforcing the layout concept. Baseline 3 is appropriate when the schema does the heavy lifting.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific verb (Set) and resource (manual slice layout on a loaded single-sample Simpler) with scope qualifiers (exact layout, including nested racks). It is clearly distinguishable from siblings like set_simpler_sample_region and load_simpler_sample.

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 explicit preconditions (stopped transport, inactive unarmed target) and describes mode transitions, which tells the agent when the call is valid. It does not, however, name an alternative tool or contrast cases with set_simpler_sample_region.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Deploy Server