ableton-cli

name	ableton-cli
description	Control and inspect Ableton Live with ableton-cli in non-interactive workflows. Use when an agent or script needs deterministic setup checks, transport control, track and clip operations, browser loading, and stable JSON command mappings.

Ableton Live Control with ableton-cli

Quick start

uv run ableton-cli doctor
uv run ableton-cli ping
uv run ableton-cli song info
uv run ableton-cli transport play
uv run ableton-cli transport stop

Commands

Setup / Diagnostics

uv run ableton-cli doctor
uv run ableton-cli install-remote-script --yes
uv run ableton-cli install-remote-script --dry-run
uv run ableton-cli install-skill --yes
uv run ableton-cli install-skill --target claude --yes
uv run ableton-cli install-skill --target cursor --yes
uv run ableton-cli install-skill --dry-run
uv run ableton-cli ping
uv run ableton-cli wait-ready

After install-remote-script --yes, if behavior does not change immediately, reload the control surface in Ableton Preferences (None -> AbletonCliRemote) or restart Ableton Live.

To verify that the latest Remote Script is active, run uv run ableton-cli --output json ping and confirm:

• result.remote_script_version is the expected version
• result.supported_commands includes the newly added command names

Song / Session

uv run ableton-cli song info
uv run ableton-cli song new
uv run ableton-cli song undo
uv run ableton-cli song redo
uv run ableton-cli song save --path /tmp/demo.als
uv run ableton-cli song export audio --path /tmp/demo.wav
uv run ableton-cli session info
uv run ableton-cli session snapshot
uv run ableton-cli session diff --from ./snapshot-before.json --to ./snapshot-after.json
uv run ableton-cli session watch --interval-ms 500 --scope all --count 5
uv run ableton-cli session events --events tempo,is_playing --count 5
uv run ableton-cli session events --idle-timeout-ms 5000
uv run ableton-cli session capture --track-index 0 --slot 0 --bars 8 --set-routing --analyze
uv run ableton-cli session stop-all-clips

Tracks

uv run ableton-cli tracks list
uv run ableton-cli tracks create midi
uv run ableton-cli tracks create midi --index 1
uv run ableton-cli tracks create audio
uv run ableton-cli tracks create audio --index 1
uv run ableton-cli tracks delete 2

Transport

uv run ableton-cli transport play
uv run ableton-cli transport stop
uv run ableton-cli transport toggle
uv run ableton-cli transport tempo get
uv run ableton-cli transport tempo set 128
uv run ableton-cli transport position get
uv run ableton-cli transport position set 32
uv run ableton-cli transport rewind

Arrangement

uv run ableton-cli arrangement record start
uv run ableton-cli arrangement record stop
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip create 0 --start 8 --length 4
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip create 0 --start 8 --length 4 --notes-json '[{"pitch":60,"start_time":0.0,"duration":0.5,"velocity":100,"mute":false}]'
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip create 1 --start 16 --length 8 --audio-path /tmp/loop.wav
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip list
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip list --track 0
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip notes add 0 0 --notes-file ./notes.json
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip notes get 0 0 --start-time 0.0 --end-time 4.0 --pitch 60
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip notes clear 0 0 --pitch 60
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip notes replace 0 0 --notes-json '[{"pitch":65,"start_time":0.25,"duration":0.5,"velocity":100,"mute":false}]'
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip notes import-browser 0 0 sounds/Bass\ Loop.alc --mode replace --import-length --import-groove
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip delete 0 0
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip delete 0 --start 8 --end 16
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip delete 0 --all
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip props get 0 0
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip loop set 0 0 --start 0 --end 16 --enabled true
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip marker set 0 0 --start-marker 0 --end-marker 16
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip warp get 0 0
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip warp set 0 0 --enabled true --mode beats
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip gain set 0 0 --db -6
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip transpose set 0 0 --semitones -1
uv run ableton-cli arrangement clip file replace 0 0 --audio-path /tmp/replacement.wav
uv run ableton-cli arrangement from-session --scenes "0:24,1:48"

Remix / Audio Workflow

uv run ableton-cli remix init --source /abs/anime_song.wav --project ./proj --rights-status private_test
uv run ableton-cli remix inspect --project ./proj/remix_project.json
uv run ableton-cli audio asset add --project ./proj/remix_project.json --role vocal --path /abs/vocal.wav
uv run ableton-cli audio asset add --project ./proj/remix_project.json --role instrumental --path /abs/instrumental.wav
uv run ableton-cli audio asset list --project ./proj/remix_project.json
uv run ableton-cli audio asset remove --project ./proj/remix_project.json --role vocal --path /abs/vocal.wav
uv run ableton-cli audio sections import --project ./proj/remix_project.json --sections "intro:1-8,verse:9-24,pre:25-32,chorus:33-48"
uv run ableton-cli audio beatgrid import --project ./proj/remix_project.json --downbeats "0.0,1.395,2.790"
uv run ableton-cli audio analyze --project ./proj/remix_project.json --detect bpm,key --manual-bpm 172 --manual-key "A minor"
uv run ableton-cli audio loudness analyze --path ./renders/remix.wav --engine ffmpeg --report-out ./proj/reports/loudness.json
uv run ableton-cli audio spectrum analyze --path ./renders/remix.wav --profile anime-club --report-out ./proj/reports/spectrum.json
uv run ableton-cli audio reference compare --candidate ./renders/remix.wav --reference ./refs/reference.wav --metrics loudness,spectrum,stereo
uv run ableton-cli remix set-target --project ./proj/remix_project.json --bpm 174 --key "F minor"
uv run ableton-cli remix plan --project ./proj/remix_project.json --style anime-club
uv run ableton-cli remix arrange --project ./proj/remix_project.json --form anime-dnb
uv run ableton-cli remix import-assets --project ./proj/remix_project.json --to-arrangement
uv run ableton-cli remix apply --project ./proj/remix_project.json --dry-run
uv run ableton-cli remix apply --project ./proj/remix_project.json --yes
uv run ableton-cli remix generate drums --project ./proj/remix_project.json --style dnb --section chorus_drop --humanize 0.3 --seed 42
uv run ableton-cli remix generate bass --project ./proj/remix_project.json --pattern offbeat --key "F minor" --follow-chords
uv run ableton-cli remix generate chords --project ./proj/remix_project.json --progression "i-VI-III-VII" --key "F minor" --voicing drop2
uv run ableton-cli remix generate chords --project ./proj/remix_project.json --progression "Cmaj7 A7 Dm7 G7" --apply --track 2 --clip 0
uv run ableton-cli remix vocal-chop --project ./proj/remix_project.json --source vocal --section chorus --slice 1/8 --create-trigger
uv run ableton-cli remix mastering profile list
uv run ableton-cli remix mastering target set --project ./proj/remix_project.json --profile anime-club-demo --true-peak-dbtp-max -1.0
uv run ableton-cli remix mastering reference add --project ./proj/remix_project.json --path ./refs/reference.wav --role commercial-reference --id ref-main
uv run ableton-cli remix mastering reference list --project ./proj/remix_project.json
uv run ableton-cli remix mastering reference remove --project ./proj/remix_project.json --id ref-main
uv run ableton-cli remix mastering analyze --project ./proj/remix_project.json --render ./renders/remix.wav --reference ref-main
uv run ableton-cli remix mastering plan --project ./proj/remix_project.json --target anime-club-demo --chain utility,eq8,compressor,limiter
uv run ableton-cli remix mastering apply --project ./proj/remix_project.json --dry-run
uv run ableton-cli remix mastering apply --project ./proj/remix_project.json --yes
uv run ableton-cli remix mastering qa --project ./proj/remix_project.json --render ./renders/remix.wav --strict
uv run ableton-cli audio stems list --project ./proj/remix_project.json
uv run ableton-cli remix qa --project ./proj/remix_project.json --include-mastering --render ./renders/remix.wav
uv run ableton-cli remix export-plan --project ./proj/remix_project.json --target /abs/out/remix.wav

Remix commands are manifest-first. Use remix plan and remix apply --dry-run before writing to Live. Store only cleared, private-test, or original material in remix manifests.

Mastering workflow is measurement-first:

• Ensure ffmpeg and ffprobe are installed before running audio loudness analyze, audio reference compare, or remix mastering analyze; missing binaries fail explicitly with CONFIG_INVALID.
• Run audio loudness analyze and audio spectrum analyze after every render.
• Run audio reference compare when a reference track is registered.
• Do not chase LUFS by increasing limiter pressure when true peak is close to ceiling.
• Treat large spectrum deltas as mix/stem issues before using master EQ compensation.
• Run remix mastering apply --dry-run before --yes.
• Pick device/preset targets from browser search; do not assume fixed URI availability.
• If a standard effect wrapper fails on locale/device-variant parameter names, switch to generic parameter list/set commands.

Track

uv run ableton-cli track info --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track volume get --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track volume set 0.7 --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track name set "Lead Synth" --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track mute get --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track mute set true --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track solo get --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track solo set true --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track arm get --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track arm set false --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track panning get --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track panning set -- -0.25 --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track send get 1 --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track send set 1 0.6 --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track routing input get --selected-track
uv run ableton-cli track routing input set --type Ext.\ In --channel 1/2 --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track routing output get --track-index 0
uv run ableton-cli track routing output set --type Master --channel 3/4 --track-index 0

Ref-aware commands use selector flags, not positional indexes. Track selectors: --track-index, --track-name, --selected-track, --track-query, --track-ref. Device selectors: --device-index, --device-name, --selected-device, --device-query, --device-ref. Parameter selectors: --parameter-index, --parameter-name, --parameter-query, --parameter-key, --parameter-ref. Reuse stable_ref values emitted by tracks list, track info, synth/effect finds, and parameter listings when you need an exact session-local target.

Return Track

uv run ableton-cli return-tracks list
uv run ableton-cli return-track volume get 0
uv run ableton-cli return-track volume set 0 0.5
uv run ableton-cli return-track mute get 0
uv run ableton-cli return-track mute set 0 true
uv run ableton-cli return-track solo get 0
uv run ableton-cli return-track solo set 0 false

Master / Mixer

uv run ableton-cli master info
uv run ableton-cli master volume get
uv run ableton-cli master volume set 0.85
uv run ableton-cli master panning get
uv run ableton-cli master panning set -- 0.0
uv run ableton-cli master devices list
uv run ableton-cli master device load query:Audio\ Effects#Utility --position end
uv run ableton-cli master device move --device-index 2 --to-index 0
uv run ableton-cli master device delete --device-index 3 --yes
uv run ableton-cli master device parameters list --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli master device parameter set --device-index 0 --parameter-key gain -- -1.5
uv run ableton-cli master effect eq8 keys
uv run ableton-cli master effect eq8 set 0.42 --device-query "EQ Eight" --parameter-key band1_gain
uv run ableton-cli master effect eq8 observe --device-query "EQ Eight"
uv run ableton-cli master effect limiter keys
uv run ableton-cli master effect limiter set 0.4 --device-query "Limiter" --parameter-key ceiling
uv run ableton-cli master effect limiter observe --device-query "Limiter"
uv run ableton-cli master effect compressor keys
uv run ableton-cli master effect compressor set 0.3 --device-query "Compressor" --parameter-key ratio
uv run ableton-cli master effect compressor observe --device-query "Compressor"
uv run ableton-cli master effect utility keys
uv run ableton-cli master effect utility set 0.5 --device-query "Utility" --parameter-key gain
uv run ableton-cli master effect utility observe --device-query "Utility"
uv run ableton-cli mixer crossfader get
uv run ableton-cli mixer crossfader set -- -0.2
uv run ableton-cli mixer cue-volume get
uv run ableton-cli mixer cue-volume set 0.75
uv run ableton-cli mixer cue-routing get
uv run ableton-cli mixer cue-routing set Ext.\ Out

Clip

uv run ableton-cli clip create 0 0 --length 4
uv run ableton-cli clip notes add 0 0 --notes-json '[{"pitch":60,"start_time":0.0,"duration":0.5,"velocity":100,"mute":false}]'
uv run ableton-cli clip notes add 0 0 --notes-file ./notes.json
uv run ableton-cli clip notes add 0 0 --pattern "c3 ~ [e3 g3] c4*2" --pattern-length 4
uv run ableton-cli clip notes get 0 0 --start-time 0.0 --end-time 4.0 --pitch 60
uv run ableton-cli clip notes clear 0 0 --start-time 0.0 --end-time 1.0
uv run ableton-cli clip notes replace 0 0 --notes-json '[{"pitch":65,"start_time":0.25,"duration":0.5,"velocity":100,"mute":false}]' --start-time 0.0 --end-time 1.0
uv run ableton-cli clip notes update 0 0 --notes-json '[{"note_id":3,"velocity":90,"probability":0.75}]'
uv run ableton-cli clip notes import-browser 0 1 sounds/Bass\ Loop.alc --mode replace --import-length --import-groove
uv run ableton-cli clip notes quantize 0 0 --grid 1/16 --strength 0.8 --start-time 0.0 --end-time 4.0
uv run ableton-cli clip notes humanize 0 0 --timing 0.05 --velocity 5
uv run ableton-cli clip notes velocity-scale 0 0 --scale 1.1 --offset -3
uv run ableton-cli clip notes transpose 0 0 --semitones 2 --start-time 0.0 --end-time 4.0
uv run ableton-cli clip notes transpose-in-scale 0 0 --root C --scale major --degrees 1
uv run ableton-cli clip notes arpeggiate 0 0 --mode up --rate 1/16 --gate 0.9
uv run ableton-cli clip notes arpeggiate 0 0 --mode random --seed 42
uv run ableton-cli clip notes euclidean 0 0 --pitch 36 --steps 16 --pulses 5 --length 4 --mode replace
uv run ableton-cli clip notes ratchet 0 0 --division 2 --probability 1.0
uv run ableton-cli clip notes ratchet 0 0 --division 4 --probability 0.6 --seed 42
uv run ableton-cli clip notes retrograde 0 0 --loop-length 4
uv run ableton-cli clip notes apply-groove 0 0 --groove-file groove.json --timing-amount 1.0 --velocity-amount 0.5
uv run ableton-cli clip envelope set 0 0 --points-json '[{"time":0.0,"value":0.1},{"time":4.0,"value":0.9}]' --device-index 0 --parameter-key filter_cutoff
uv run ableton-cli clip envelope shape 0 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-key filter_cutoff --shape ramp --from 0.1 --to 0.9 --start 0 --length 4 --resolution 16
uv run ableton-cli clip envelope clear 0 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-key filter_cutoff
uv run ableton-cli clip envelope clear 0 0 --all
uv run ableton-cli clip groove get 0 0
uv run ableton-cli clip groove set 0 0 grooves/Hip\ Hop\ Boom\ Bap\ 16ths\ 90\ bpm.agr
uv run ableton-cli clip groove amount set 0 0 0.6
uv run ableton-cli clip groove clear 0 0
uv run ableton-cli clip name set 0 0 "Hook"
uv run ableton-cli clip name set-many 0 --map "1:Main,2:Var,5:Peak"
uv run ableton-cli clip fire 0 0
uv run ableton-cli clip stop 0 0
uv run ableton-cli clip active get 0 0
uv run ableton-cli clip active set 0 0 false
uv run ableton-cli clip duplicate 0 0 1
uv run ableton-cli clip duplicate-many 0 0 --to 2,4,5,6
uv run ableton-cli clip place-pattern 0 --clip 0 --scenes Intro,Drop,Peak
uv run ableton-cli audio transient analyze --path ./loops/drum-break.wav --bpm 174 --max-slices 16
uv run ableton-cli audio groove extract --path ./loops/drum-break.wav --bpm 174 --grid 1/16 --out groove.json
uv run ableton-cli clip cut-to-drum-rack --source-file ./loops/drum-break.wav --transient --bpm 174 --max-slices 16 --create-trigger-clip --trigger-clip-slot 1
uv run ableton-cli clip cut-to-drum-rack --source-track 1 --source-clip 0 --slice-count 8 --create-trigger-clip --trigger-clip-slot 1
uv run ableton-cli clip props get 0 0
uv run ableton-cli clip loop set 0 0 --start 0 --end 16 --enabled true
uv run ableton-cli clip marker set 0 0 --start-marker 0 --end-marker 16
uv run ableton-cli clip warp get 0 0
uv run ableton-cli clip warp set 0 0 --enabled true --mode complex-pro
uv run ableton-cli clip warp conform 0 0 --source-bpm 174 --target-bpm 168 --profile full-mix --verify
uv run ableton-cli clip warp-marker list 0 0
uv run ableton-cli clip warp-marker add 0 0 --beat-time 33.0
uv run ableton-cli clip warp-marker add 0 0 --beat-time 33.0 --sample-time 12.345
uv run ableton-cli clip warp-marker move 0 0 --beat-time 33.0 --distance -0.5
uv run ableton-cli clip warp-marker remove 0 0 --beat-time 33.0
uv run ableton-cli clip gain set 0 0 --db -3.0
uv run ableton-cli clip transpose set 0 0 --semitones 2
uv run ableton-cli clip file replace 0 0 --audio-path /tmp/replacement.wav
uv run ableton-cli clip file path get 0 0

Scenes

uv run ableton-cli scenes list
uv run ableton-cli scenes create
uv run ableton-cli scenes create --index 1
uv run ableton-cli scenes name set 1 "Build"
uv run ableton-cli scenes fire 1
uv run ableton-cli scenes move 1 2

Browser

uv run ableton-cli browser tree all
uv run ableton-cli browser items-at-path drums/Kits
uv run ableton-cli browser item drums/Kits
uv run ableton-cli browser item query:Synths#Operator
uv run ableton-cli browser categories all
uv run ableton-cli browser items drums/Kits --item-type loadable --limit 100 --offset 0
uv run ableton-cli browser search drift --item-type loadable
uv run ableton-cli browser search "Drum Rack" --path drums --item-type loadable --limit 10
uv run ableton-cli browser search "Kit" --path drums --item-type loadable --limit 10
uv run ableton-cli browser load 0 query:Synths#Operator
uv run ableton-cli browser load 0 instruments/Drift
uv run ableton-cli browser load-drum-kit 0 <rack-uri-from-search> --kit-uri <kit-uri-from-search>
uv run ableton-cli browser load-drum-kit 0 <rack-uri-from-search> --kit-path <kit-path-from-search>

For composition workflows, do not hard-code Drum Rack or kit targets. First run uv run ableton-cli --timeout-ms 15000 --output json wait-ready, then use browser search to select exact uri or path values from the active Live browser catalog before calling browser load-drum-kit or browser load.

Batch

uv run ableton-cli batch run --steps-file ./steps.json
uv run ableton-cli batch run --steps-json '{"steps":[{"name":"song_info","args":{}}]}'
echo '{"steps":[{"name":"song_info","args":{}}]}' | uv run ableton-cli batch run --steps-stdin
uv run ableton-cli batch stream
echo '{"id":"req-1","steps":[{"name":"song_info","args":{}}]}' | uv run ableton-cli batch stream

Device

uv run ableton-cli device parameter set 0.25 --track-index 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-index 0
uv run ableton-cli device chains list --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli device macro list --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli device macro set 0 64.0 --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli device parameter set 0.5 --track-index 0 --device-ref device:12 --parameter-index 0

Synth

uv run ableton-cli synth find
uv run ableton-cli synth find --track 0 --type wavetable
uv run ableton-cli synth parameters list --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli synth parameter set 0.5 --track-index 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-index 0
uv run ableton-cli synth observe --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli synth wavetable keys
uv run ableton-cli synth wavetable set 0.6 --track-index 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-key filter_cutoff
uv run ableton-cli synth wavetable observe --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli synth drift keys
uv run ableton-cli synth drift set 0.4 --track-index 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-key drift_amount
uv run ableton-cli synth drift observe --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli synth meld keys
uv run ableton-cli synth meld set 0.3 --track-index 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-key spread_amount
uv run ableton-cli synth meld observe --track-index 0 --device-index 0

Effect

uv run ableton-cli effect find
uv run ableton-cli effect find --track 0 --type eq8
uv run ableton-cli effect parameters list --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli effect parameter set 0.5 --track-index 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-index 0
uv run ableton-cli effect parameter set -- -2.0 --track-index 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-index 7
uv run ableton-cli effect observe --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli effect eq8 keys
uv run ableton-cli effect eq8 set 0.6 --track-index 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-key band1_freq
uv run ableton-cli effect eq8 observe --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli effect limiter keys
uv run ableton-cli effect limiter set 0.4 --track-index 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-key ceiling
uv run ableton-cli effect limiter observe --track-index 0 --device-index 0
uv run ableton-cli effect compressor keys
uv run ableton-cli effect compressor set 0 0 ratio 0.5
uv run ableton-cli effect compressor observe 0 0
uv run ableton-cli effect auto-filter keys
uv run ableton-cli effect auto-filter set 0 0 lfo_rate 0.25
uv run ableton-cli effect auto-filter observe 0 0
uv run ableton-cli effect reverb keys
uv run ableton-cli effect reverb set 0 0 size 0.55
uv run ableton-cli effect reverb observe 0 0
uv run ableton-cli effect utility keys
uv run ableton-cli effect utility set 0 0 width 0.75
uv run ableton-cli effect utility observe 0 0

Config / Completion

uv run ableton-cli config init
uv run ableton-cli config init --dry-run
uv run ableton-cli config show
uv run ableton-cli config set protocol_version 3
uv run ableton-cli completion
uv run ableton-cli --install-completion
uv run ableton-cli --show-completion

Operational notes

• For positional numeric arguments that begin with -, insert -- before the value.
  • Example: uv run ableton-cli track panning set -- -0.25 --track-index 0
  • Example: uv run ableton-cli effect parameter set -- -2.0 --track-index 0 --device-index 0 --parameter-index 7
• For low-latency repeated automation operations, prefer uv run ableton-cli batch stream.
• Capability and compatibility checks are explicit through uv run ableton-cli ping and uv run ableton-cli doctor.
• Batch steps run once unless the step declares retry. retry.on defaults to ["REMOTE_BUSY"].
  • A retrying step carries one meta.idempotency_key across every attempt, so the Remote Script replays its stored response instead of applying the command twice. Adding TIMEOUT to retry.on is therefore safe for write commands too.
  • A replayed response is marked with idempotent_replay: true in result (or in error.details for a replayed failure).
  • A TIMEOUT step failure that is not retried reports error.details.may_have_executed (true / false / null when unknown). Inspect the set with a read command before resending anything other than false.
• Protocol version 3 is required. On PROTOCOL_VERSION_MISMATCH, run uv run ableton-cli install-remote-script --yes, restart Ableton Live, and re-select AbletonCliRemote.
• Destructive master device deletion requires --yes. Live API unsupported operations fail explicitly with not_supported_by_live_api.
• Standard wrapper commands (synth <type> ..., effect <type> ...) are strict and intentionally fail if required parameter names are missing.
  • If you get Missing required standard ... keys, use generic commands instead:
    • uv run ableton-cli --output json effect parameters list --track-index <track> --device-index <device>
    • uv run ableton-cli --output json effect parameter set <value> --track-index <track> --device-index <device> --parameter-index <parameter>
  • Use this path for locale/device-variant differences to avoid workflow stalls.

Global options

• --host
• --port
• --timeout-ms
• --protocol-version
• --output [human|json]
• --verbose
• --log-file
• --config <path>
• --no-color
• --quiet
• --version

Global options must appear before subcommands, e.g. uv run ableton-cli --output json doctor.

JSON output envelope

Use --output json for machine-readable responses.

uv run ableton-cli --output json ping

{
  "ok": true,
  "command": "ping",
  "args": {},
    "result": {
      "host": "127.0.0.1",
      "port": 8765,
      "protocol_version": 3,
      "remote_script_version": "0.5.0",
      "rtt_ms": 2.31
    },
  "error": null
}

Exit codes

• 0 success
• 2 invalid arguments
• 3 invalid configuration
• 10 Ableton not connected
• 11 Remote Script not installed or not detected
• 12 timeout
• 13 protocol mismatch
• 20 execution failure
• 99 internal error

Stable action names and mappings

• ping -> uv run ableton-cli --output json ping
• wait_ready -> uv run ableton-cli --output json wait-ready
• get_song_info -> uv run ableton-cli --output json song info
• song_new -> uv run ableton-cli --output json song new
• song_undo -> uv run ableton-cli --output json song undo
• song_redo -> uv run ableton-cli --output json song redo
• song_save -> uv run ableton-cli --output json song save --path <als>
• song_export_audio -> uv run ableton-cli --output json song export audio --path <wav>
• get_session_info -> uv run ableton-cli --output json session info
• get_track_info -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track info --track-index <track>
• play -> uv run ableton-cli --output json transport play
• stop -> uv run ableton-cli --output json transport stop
• set_tempo -> uv run ableton-cli --output json transport tempo set <bpm>
• transport_position_get -> uv run ableton-cli --output json transport position get
• transport_position_set -> uv run ableton-cli --output json transport position set <beats>
• transport_rewind -> uv run ableton-cli --output json transport rewind
• arrangement_record_start -> uv run ableton-cli --output json arrangement record start
• arrangement_record_stop -> uv run ableton-cli --output json arrangement record stop
• list_tracks -> uv run ableton-cli --output json tracks list
• create_midi_track -> uv run ableton-cli --output json tracks create midi [--index <index>]
• create_audio_track -> uv run ableton-cli --output json tracks create audio [--index <index>]
• tracks_delete -> uv run ableton-cli --output json tracks delete <track>
• set_track_name -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track name set <name> --track-index <track>
• set_track_volume -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track volume set <value> --track-index <track>
• get_track_mute -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track mute get --track-index <track>
• set_track_mute -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track mute set <value> --track-index <track>
• get_track_solo -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track solo get --track-index <track>
• set_track_solo -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track solo set <value> --track-index <track>
• get_track_arm -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track arm get --track-index <track>
• set_track_arm -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track arm set <value> --track-index <track>
• get_track_panning -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track panning get --track-index <track>
• set_track_panning -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track panning set <value> --track-index <track>
• get_track_send -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track send get <send> --track-index <track>
• set_track_send -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track send set <send> <value> --track-index <track>
• list_return_tracks -> uv run ableton-cli --output json return-tracks list
• set_return_track_volume -> uv run ableton-cli --output json return-track volume set <return-track> <value>
• get_master_info -> uv run ableton-cli --output json master info
• list_master_devices -> uv run ableton-cli --output json master devices list
• set_mixer_crossfader -> uv run ableton-cli --output json mixer crossfader set <value>
• set_mixer_cue_routing -> uv run ableton-cli --output json mixer cue-routing set <routing>
• get_track_routing_input -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track routing input get --track-index <track>
• set_track_routing_output -> uv run ableton-cli --output json track routing output set --track-index <track> --type <routing-type> --channel <routing-channel>
• create_clip -> uv run ableton-cli --output json clip create <track> <clip> --length <beats>
• add_notes_to_clip -> uv run ableton-cli --output json clip notes add <track> <clip> (--notes-json '<json-array>' | --notes-file <path>)
• get_clip_notes -> uv run ableton-cli --output json clip notes get <track> <clip> [--start-time <beats>] [--end-time <beats>] [--pitch <midi>]
• clear_clip_notes -> uv run ableton-cli --output json clip notes clear <track> <clip> [--start-time <beats>] [--end-time <beats>] [--pitch <midi>]
• replace_clip_notes -> uv run ableton-cli --output json clip notes replace <track> <clip> (--notes-json '<json-array>' | --notes-file <path>) [--start-time <beats>] [--end-time <beats>] [--pitch <midi>]
• update_clip_notes -> uv run ableton-cli --output json clip notes update <track> <clip> (--notes-json '<json-array>' | --notes-file <path>)
• arrangement_clip_notes_add -> uv run ableton-cli --output json arrangement clip notes add <track> <index> (--notes-json '<json-array>' | --notes-file <path>)
• arrangement_clip_notes_get -> uv run ableton-cli --output json arrangement clip notes get <track> <index> [--start-time <beats>] [--end-time <beats>] [--pitch <midi>]
• arrangement_clip_notes_clear -> uv run ableton-cli --output json arrangement clip notes clear <track> <index> [--start-time <beats>] [--end-time <beats>] [--pitch <midi>]
• arrangement_clip_notes_replace -> uv run ableton-cli --output json arrangement clip notes replace <track> <index> (--notes-json '<json-array>' | --notes-file <path>) [--start-time <beats>] [--end-time <beats>] [--pitch <midi>]
• arrangement_clip_notes_import_browser -> uv run ableton-cli --output json arrangement clip notes import-browser <track> <index> <target> [--mode <replace|append>] [--import-length] [--import-groove]
• arrangement_clip_delete -> uv run ableton-cli --output json arrangement clip delete <track> [index] [--start <beat> --end <beat>] [--all]
• arrangement_from_session -> uv run ableton-cli --output json arrangement from-session --scenes "0:24,1:48"
• clip_duplicate -> uv run ableton-cli --output json clip duplicate <track> <src_clip> <dst_clip>
• set_clip_name -> uv run ableton-cli --output json clip name set <track> <clip> <name>
• fire_clip -> uv run ableton-cli --output json clip fire <track> <clip>
• stop_clip -> uv run ableton-cli --output json clip stop <track> <clip>
• list_scenes -> uv run ableton-cli --output json scenes list
• create_scene -> uv run ableton-cli --output json scenes create [--index <index>]
• set_scene_name -> uv run ableton-cli --output json scenes name set <scene> <name>
• fire_scene -> uv run ableton-cli --output json scenes fire <scene>
• scenes_move -> uv run ableton-cli --output json scenes move <from> <to>
• stop_all_clips -> uv run ableton-cli --output json session stop-all-clips
• get_browser_tree -> uv run ableton-cli --output json browser tree [category_type]
• get_browser_items_at_path -> uv run ableton-cli --output json browser items-at-path <path>
• get_browser_item -> uv run ableton-cli --output json browser item <target>
• get_browser_categories -> uv run ableton-cli --output json browser categories [category_type]
• get_browser_items -> uv run ableton-cli --output json browser items <path> [--item-type <all,folder,device,loadable>] [--limit <n>] [--offset <n>]
• search_browser_items -> uv run ableton-cli --output json browser search <query> [--path <path>] [--item-type <all,folder,device,loadable>] [--limit <n>] [--offset <n>] [--exact] [--case-sensitive]
• load_instrument_or_effect -> uv run ableton-cli --output json browser load <track> <target>
• load_drum_kit -> uv run ableton-cli --output json browser load-drum-kit <track> <rack_uri> (--kit-uri <uri> | --kit-path <path>)
• set_device_parameter -> uv run ableton-cli --output json device parameter set <value> --track-index <track> --device-index <device> --parameter-index <parameter>
• find_synth_devices -> uv run ableton-cli --output json synth find [--track <track>] [--type <wavetable|drift|meld>]
• list_synth_parameters -> uv run ableton-cli --output json synth parameters list --track-index <track> --device-index <device>
• set_synth_parameter_safe -> uv run ableton-cli --output json synth parameter set <value> --track-index <track> --device-index <device> --parameter-index <parameter>
• observe_synth_parameters -> uv run ableton-cli --output json synth observe --track-index <track> --device-index <device>
• list_standard_synth_keys -> uv run ableton-cli --output json synth <wavetable|drift|meld> keys
• set_standard_synth_parameter_safe -> uv run ableton-cli --output json synth <wavetable|drift|meld> set <value> --track-index <track> --device-index <device> --parameter-key <key>
• observe_standard_synth_state -> uv run ableton-cli --output json synth <wavetable|drift|meld> observe --track-index <track> --device-index <device>
• find_effect_devices -> uv run ableton-cli --output json effect find [--track <track>] [--type <eq8|limiter|compressor|auto_filter|reverb|utility>]
• list_effect_parameters -> uv run ableton-cli --output json effect parameters list --track-index <track> --device-index <device>
• set_effect_parameter_safe -> uv run ableton-cli --output json effect parameter set <value> --track-index <track> --device-index <device> --parameter-index <parameter>
• observe_effect_parameters -> uv run ableton-cli --output json effect observe --track-index <track> --device-index <device>
• list_standard_effect_keys -> uv run ableton-cli --output json effect <eq8|limiter|compressor|auto-filter|reverb|utility> keys
• set_standard_effect_parameter_safe -> uv run ableton-cli --output json effect <eq8|limiter|compressor|auto-filter|reverb|utility> set <value> --track-index <track> --device-index <device> --parameter-key <key>
• observe_standard_effect_state -> uv run ableton-cli --output json effect <eq8|limiter|compressor|auto-filter|reverb|utility> observe --track-index <track> --device-index <device>
• audio_loudness_analyze -> uv run ableton-cli --output json audio loudness analyze --path <wav>
• remix_mastering_plan -> uv run ableton-cli --output json remix mastering plan --project <remix_project.json>
• remix_mastering_qa -> uv run ableton-cli --output json remix mastering qa --project <remix_project.json> --render <wav>
• execute_batch -> uv run ableton-cli --output json batch run (--steps-file <path> | --steps-json '<json>' | --steps-stdin)

Examples

• ping: docs/skills/examples/ping.json
• song info: docs/skills/examples/song-info.json
• tempo set: docs/skills/examples/set-tempo.json
• tracks list: docs/skills/examples/list-tracks.json
• track volume set: docs/skills/examples/set-track-volume.json
• browser search: docs/skills/examples/browser-search.json
• audio loudness analyze: docs/skills/examples/audio-loudness-analyze.json
• remix mastering plan: docs/skills/examples/remix-mastering-plan.json
• remix mastering qa: docs/skills/examples/remix-mastering-qa.json

Not implemented

These commands exist in the surface but always fail with error.code=NOT_IMPLEMENTED (exit code 20). Do not call them expecting a mix to be set up; the error hint names the commands that actually do the work.

uv run ableton-cli remix setup-sound     # use: browser search + browser load / load-drum-kit
uv run ableton-cli remix mix-macro       # use: create buses in Live, then track/return volume + send set
uv run ableton-cli remix setup-mix       # same as mix-macro
uv run ableton-cli remix setup-returns   # use: add returns in Live, then return-tracks list
uv run ableton-cli remix setup-sidechain # use: route in Live, then device parameter set
uv run ableton-cli remix device-chain apply  # use: browser search + browser load + device parameter set
uv run ableton-cli audio stems split     # use: an external separator, then audio asset add