openDAW MCP

Official

by AMEOBIUS · Python

262 MCP tools for agent-native control of openDAW, a browser-based DAW

io.github.AMEOBIUS/opendaw-mcp — openDAW MCP Server

This MCP server provides agent-native control of openDAW, a browser-based DAW, exposing tools count data as “262 MCP tools”. It is associated with topics including audio production, MIDI, DSP, mixing, stem separation, and browser automation technologies.

🛠️ Key Features

262 MCP tools for controlling openDAW
Agent tools integration context (topics include agent-tools)
Covers areas such as MIDI, DSP, mixing, and stem separation

🚀 Use Cases

Audio production and music production workflows
Programmatic control of a browser-based DAW
Agent-driven tasks involving synthesis, mixing, and stem separation

⚡ Developer Benefits

Developer-oriented tool catalog alignment (topics include mcp, mcp-server)
Python-based ecosystem signals (topic: python)
Automation/browser tooling references (topic: playwright)

⚠️ Limitations

Available tooling scope is defined by what the 262 MCP tools cover; no additional capabilities are described in the provided data

Topics

ai-musicaudio-productiondawmcpmusic-productionopendawplaywrightpythonsynthmcp-servermidiaudio-workletdspmixingstem-separationagent-toolsautogencrewailangchainmusic

README.md42 KBView on GitHub

openDAW MCP

CI Lint

263 MCP tools for agent-native control of openDAW — a browser-based digital audio workstation.

This project wraps openDAW's internal box system and project API behind a Model Context Protocol server, allowing AI agents (Claude, GPT, Hermes, etc.) to create and manipulate music projects programmatically — tracks, instruments, effects, MIDI, automation, audio regions, rendering, and more.

Why opendaw-mcp?

The only MCP server that gives an AI agent full DAW control — not just file conversion or playback.

Feature	opendaw-mcp	Other audio MCPs
Full DAW control (263 tools)	✅	❌ (1-10 tools)
Scriptable DSP (write custom JS effects)	✅	❌
SOTA stem separation (7 models, GPU local)	✅	❌
Suno → DAW E2E pipeline	✅	❌
Genre templates (8 genres)	✅	❌
Agent skills with decision points	✅ (8 skills)	❌
Offline render with LUFS targeting	✅	❌
Preset save/load (.opb)	✅	❌
dawproject interchange (Ableton/Bitwig)	✅	❌

Unique workflow: Suno generates → SOTA stem split → openDAW import → mix/master → export. No other tool does this.

How It Works

text

AI Agent ──MCP──▶ Python Server ──Playwright──▶ Headless Chromium ──▶ openDAW (Vite dev server)

The MCP server launches a headless Chromium instance loaded with openDAW, then communicates via page.evaluate() calls into the DAW's V8 context. Every tool performs real operations on the live project — no stubs, no mocks.

Features

Track & Region CRUD — create/delete/move audio, note, and automation tracks with regions
Instrument Control — Vaporisateur ( polysynth), Nano, Tape, Soundfont, Playfield (drum machine), MIDI output
Effects — Delay, Reverb, Compressor, Equalizer, Saturation, Waveshaper, Stereo, Vocoder, NeuralAmp, Maximizer
MIDI Effects — Arpeggio, Pitch, Velocity, Zeitgeist, Spielwerk (scriptable)
Scriptable Devices — Apparat (instrument), Werkstatt (audio effect), Spielwerk (MIDI effect) with JS code compilation, full @param mapping metadata, and range-validated parameter setting
Automation — event creation, interpolation modes, tempo/signature changes
Audio Operations — region fades, gain, time/pitch stretch, warp markers, play modes
Mixing — send/return routing, buses, volume, solo/mute, mixer state inspection
Rendering — offline stem export with LUFS targeting, full mix render
Clips — session view clip CRUD, clone, consolidate, playback settings
Groove — groove shuffle amount and duration control
Presets — export/import audio unit presets, effect chain presets
Transfer — move regions and audio units between projects
Project Info — tempo map conversion (PPQN↔seconds), duration, validation, sample listing
Notes — pitch range, overlapping detection, advanced properties (chance, cent, playCount, playCurve)
Modular System — voltage modules (Gain, Delay, Multiplier, AudioInput, AudioOutput), patch cable connections
Piano Mode — global transpose, keyboard type, note scale, time range
Project & Bus Metadata — creation date, signature, AU/track count, bus labels and colors
Debugging & Control — screenshots, condition polling, raw JS evaluation

Agent Skills

The skills/ directory contains structured skill files for AI agents (Hermes, Claude, etc.) that describe how to use the 263 MCP tools effectively. Each skill covers a specific domain and includes decision points so the agent can adapt to any genre or workflow.

Skill	Domain	Description
`adaptive-mix-mastering`	Mix → Master pipeline	Universal pipeline with decision points: genre detection, stem strategy, effect chain selection, LUFS targeting, mastering approach. Adapts to coldwave, techno, hip-hop, ambient, rock, pop. Includes `references/decision-tree.md`.
`suno-to-opendaw`	Suno → openDAW E2E	Killer workflow: Suno AI generation → SOTA stem separation (7 modes) → openDAW import → arrange → mix → master → export. 6-stage pipeline from prompt to finished track. Unique value prop — no other MCP server offers this.
`dsp-script-authoring`	Custom DSP writing	How to author custom Werkstatt/Apparat/Spielwerk DSP scripts. Processor API, @param/@sample declarations, DSP patterns (filters, saturation, reverb, LFO, envelope), validation workflow, 8 critical pitfalls. For writing new DSP, not using existing.
`opendaw-automation`	API reference	263 MCP tools full reference, bridge architecture, pitfalls, DSP script library (26 scripts), CodeRabbit review patterns, PyPI publishing workflow. The base skill — others cross-reference it. 146 reference files.
`opendaw-track-architecture`	Track structure	Tracks, regions, clips, notes, tempo, time signature, markers, groove, song form. 50+ tools for building the skeleton of a track.
`opendaw-sound-design`	Instruments + DSP	Built-in instruments (Vaporisateur, Playfield, Nano, Tape, Soundfont) + 26 scriptable DSP scripts (Werkstatt/Apparat/Spielwerk) with full API reference and choosing guide.
`opendaw-genres`	Genre templates	Concrete parameters per genre — BPM, track layout, drum patterns, bass lines, chords, effect chains, pan, LUFS targets. 8 genres: techno, coldwave, hip-hop, ambient, DnB, house, lofi, trap. Not theory — actual tool calls and values.
`opendaw-effect-routing`	Effects + routing	Effect chains, sends/returns, sidechain, buses, mixing, mastering chain, render/export. How to route audio and deliver final output.

Using skills with Hermes

bash

# Skills are auto-discovered from ~/.hermes/profiles/*/skills/
# Copy to your profile:
cp -r skills/adaptive-mix-mastering ~/.hermes/profiles/your-profile/skills/creative/

Using skills with other agents

The SKILL.md files are standard markdown with YAML frontmatter. Any agent that supports skill loading can use them. The decision points and tool references are agent-agnostic.

Quick Start

Prerequisites

Python 3.11+
Node.js 20+ (for openDAW dev server)
Chromium (Playwright will install it)

Install

From PyPI:

bash

pip install opendaw-mcp
playwright install chromium

From source:

bash

git clone https://github.com/ameobius/opendaw-mcp.git
cd opendaw-mcp
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install -r requirements.txt
playwright install chromium

Set Up openDAW

Clone and build openDAW separately:

bash

git clone https://github.com/andremichelle/openDAW.git
cd openDAW
npm install
npm run build   # or: npx turbo run build

Create a headless host page (see headless-daw/ for reference implementation).

Run

bash

# Terminal 1: Start openDAW dev server
cd openDAW
npm run dev     # typically serves on http://localhost:5174

# Terminal 2: Start MCP server (stdio transport, default)
cd opendaw-mcp
source venv/bin/activate
python server.py

SSE Transport

For remote deployments and registry introspection (e.g. Glama):

bash

MCP_TRANSPORT=sse FASTMCP_HOST=0.0.0.0 FASTMCP_PORT=8080 python server.py

CLI

bash

python server.py --help        # show usage and env vars
python server.py --version     # print version and tool count
python server.py --list-tools  # list all 258 registered MCP tools

Docker

bash

# Pull pre-built image from GitHub Container Registry
docker pull ghcr.io/ameobius/opendaw-mcp:1.14.1
docker run -p 8080:8080 ghcr.io/ameobius/opendaw-mcp:1.14.1
# MCP server available at http://localhost:8080/sse

# Or build from source
docker build -t opendaw-mcp .
docker run -p 8080:8080 opendaw-mcp

The Docker image bundles openDAW (built from source), Vite dev server, Chromium, and the MCP server. The entrypoint starts Vite, waits for it to be ready, then launches the MCP server in SSE mode.

Claude Desktop / MCP Client Config

Add to your MCP client config (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json):

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "opendaw": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": ["path/to/opendaw-mcp/server.py"],
      "env": {
        "OPENDAW_HOST_DIR": "path/to/headless-daw",
        "OPENDAW_URL": "http://localhost:5174",
        "OPENDAW_EXPORT_DIR": "path/to/exports"
      }
    }
  }
}

See mcp.json in the repo for a reference config.

Environment Variables

Variable	Default	Description
`OPENDAW_HOST_DIR`	`../headless-daw`	Path to the headless openDAW host directory
`OPENDAW_URL`	`http://localhost:5174`	URL of the running openDAW instance
`OPENDAW_EXPORT_DIR`	`../exports`	Directory for rendered audio exports
`NODE_BIN_DIR`	(from PATH)	Path to Node.js binary directory (if not on PATH)
`MCP_TRANSPORT`	`stdio`	Transport protocol: `stdio` or `sse`
`FASTMCP_HOST`	`127.0.0.1`	SSE server bind host
`FASTMCP_PORT`	`8000`	SSE server bind port

Architecture

HeadlessDawBridge

The HeadlessDawBridge class manages the Playwright lifecycle:

Launches headless Chromium with audio autoplay enabled
Navigates to the openDAW URL
Waits for window.DAW and factory globals to load
Injects DAW_HELPERS — JS utility functions that eliminate boilerplate across tools

DAW_HELPERS

JavaScript helpers injected into the DAW context:

au(i) — get audio unit adapter by index
track(auIdx, trackIdx) — get track adapter
region(au, track, reg) — get region adapter
instrumentAU() — get the first instrument audio unit
modify(fn) — wrapper around editing.modify() for box mutations
allAUs() — list all audio unit adapters

Tool Structure

Each MCP tool follows the pattern:

python

@mcp.tool()
async def tool_name(param: str) -> str:
    """Description."""
    async def _run():
        result = await bridge.page.evaluate("""...JS...""")
        return json.dumps(result)
    return await bridge.run(_run)

The bridge is a singleton — state persists within a single Python process. All box mutations go through editing.modify() as required by openDAW's transactional model.

Input Sanitization

All string parameters that are interpolated into JavaScript template literals are sanitized before evaluation — quotes, backslashes, and braces are stripped to prevent JS injection. Numeric parameters use proper int/float type annotations for FastMCP type coercion.

DSP Scripts

The scripts/ directory contains 26 example DSP scripts (15 Werkstatt + 5 Apparat + 6 Spielwerk):

Script	Device	Description
`werkstatt_darksat.js`	Werkstatt	Tape saturation with drive, bias, tone, mix, output gain
`werkstatt_coldfold.js`	Werkstatt	Wavefolding + bitcrush + slew rate reduction
`werkstatt_paulstretch.js`	Werkstatt	Extreme time-stretch via FFT/ISTFT overlap-add
`werkstatt_envfollower.js`	Werkstatt	Envelope follower with sidechain ducking
`werkstatt_chorus.js`	Werkstatt	Stereo chorus with LFO-modulated delay lines
`werkstatt_reverb.js`	Werkstatt	Algorithmic reverb with comb + allpass filters
`werkstatt_shimmer.js`	Werkstatt	Pitch-shimmer reverb with granular pitch shift
`werkstatt_phaser.js`	Werkstatt	Phaser with LFO-swept allpass filter chain
`werkstatt_subcrusher.js`	Werkstatt	Sub-bass enhancement with glide and distortion
`werkstatt_lookahead.js`	Werkstatt	Lookahead limiter with gain reduction metering
`werkstatt_adsr_trim.js`	Werkstatt	ADSR envelope trim for sustained samples (#241)
`werkstatt_granular_stretch.js`	Werkstatt	Granular time-stretch with Hann window + pitch shift (#201)
`werkstatt_pitch_shift.js`	Werkstatt	Real-time pitch shifter via delay-line sweep with crossfade (#188)
`werkstatt_dcremover.js`	Werkstatt	DC offset remover + M/S stereo width tool (#91)
`werkstatt_allpass.js`	Werkstatt	Allpass filter with invert + cascade stages (#133)
`werkstatt_ringmod_env.js`	Werkstatt	Ring modulator with envelope-followed frequency modulation (#277)
`apparat_darkbass.js`	Apparat	Bass synth with sub oscillator and filter envelope
`apparat_coldlead.js`	Apparat	Lead synth with detune and vibrato
`apparat_subcrusher.js`	Apparat	Sub-bass synth with glide and distortion
`apparat_ringmod.js`	Apparat	Ring modulator synth with ADSR and sub-oscillator (#277)
`apparat_fm.js`	Apparat	2-operator FM synth with carrier/modulator ratio and ADSR (#138)
`spielwerk_powerchord.js`	Spielwerk	MIDI effect that generates power chord harmonies
`spielwerk_arpeggiator.js`	Spielwerk	MIDI arpeggiator with swing and octave range
`spielwerk_chordmemory.js`	Spielwerk	Chord memory — holds last chord shape (major/minor/7/dim/aug)
`spielwerk_strum.js`	Spielwerk	Strummer with up/down/random direction and spread
`spielwerk_velocity.js`	Spielwerk	Velocity scaler with curve, offset, and min/max clamp
`spielwerk_mididelay.js`	Spielwerk	MIDI delay with feedback, transpose per repeat, and decay

Examples

The examples/ directory contains 30 Python scripts demonstrating the full workflow:

Example	Description
`create_beat.py`	Drum beat with Playfield
`create_chord_progression.py`	Chord progression with Vaporisateur
`mix_workflow.py`	Mixing: levels, effects, sends
`render_stems.py`	Stem export with LUFS targeting
`automation_sweep.py`	Filter cutoff automation
`modular_patch.py`	Modular system with patch cables
`full_production_pipeline.py`	Complete track: synth + drums + DSP + automation + render
`full_production_pipeline_v2.py`	Enhanced pipeline with orchestration tools
`scriptable_devices_demo.py`	All 3 scriptable device types: Apparat synth + Werkstatt DSP + Spielwerk MIDI
`device_specific_params.py`	Effect parameters: Compressor, Reverb, Delay, etc.
`instrument_automation.py`	Automating instrument parameters over time
`mastering_pipeline.py`	Mastering chain: EQ, compression, limiting
`metronome_settings.py`	Metronome configuration and tempo changes
`orchestration_demo.py`	High-level orchestration tools in action
`song_structure_demo.py`	Song structure with markers and sections
`render_convert.py`	Render and convert audio formats
`dawproject_export.py`	Export to Bitwig .dawproject format
`warp_marker_tempo_match.py`	Warp markers for tempo-matched audio regions
`suno_to_opendaw.py`	Suno→openDAW pipeline: import AI track, add mastering chain, reverb send, arp layer, render+stems
`suno_stems_to_opendaw.py`	Full E2E: stem split (7 SOTA modes, local GPU) → import stems → per-stem mix (vol/pan/effects) → MIDI arp layer → render+export
`preset_management.py`	Save/load Werkstatt effect presets (.opb) — compile DSP script, tweak params, export preset, import back
`genre_techno.py`	Genre template: techno skeleton (130 BPM, 4-on-floor drums, rolling bass, Vaporisateur+Playfield, Compressor+Waveshaper chain)
`genre_coldwave.py`	Genre template: coldwave skeleton (100 BPM, sparse drums, Am-Fmaj7-Cmaj-Gdom7 progression, 4 tracks, Dattorro reverb, Waveshaper hardclip)
`genre_ambient.py`	Genre template: ambient skeleton (70 BPM, no drums, Cmaj7-Amin7-Fmaj7-Gmaj7, pad+bell+texture, long reverbs decay 0.85-0.95)
`genre_hiphop.py`	Genre template: hip-hop skeleton (85 BPM, boom bap drums, 808 bass Ab minor, dark pentatonic melody, Compressor+Waveshaper)
`genre_dnb.py`	Genre template: DnB skeleton (174 BPM, Amen break, reese+sub bass F minor, aggressive Comp 8:1, Waveshaper)
`genre_house.py`	Genre template: house skeleton (124 BPM, 4-on-floor, off-beat chord stabs Fmin9-Cmin9-Gmin9-Dmin9, rolling bass, Delay+Reverb)
`genre_lofi.py`	Genre template: lofi skeleton (82 BPM, swung drums, jazzy Dmin7-Gdom7-Cmaj7-Fmaj7 ii-V-I, warm bass, short reverb)
`genre_trap.py`	Genre template: trap skeleton (145 BPM, fast hi-hat rolls, gliding 808 F minor, dark pentatonic melody, hard Comp 6:1)
`custom_dsp_script.py`	DSP authoring: custom Werkstatt analog saturation script (tanh + DC blocker + tone filter), compile via ScriptCompiler, set params, verify

Tool Catalog

See TOOL_CATALOG.md for the complete list of 263 tools with parameters and descriptions.

Orchestration Tools

High-level composers that combine multiple low-level operations into a single call — designed for agents to reduce token usage and round-trips:

Tool	Replaces	Example
`create_notes_batch`	10-50 × `create_note`	`'[{"pitch":60,"start":0,"duration":0.5},...]'`
`create_drum_pattern`	10-20 × `create_note`	`'{"kick":"x...x...","hihat":"....o..."}'`
`create_chord_progression`	15-50 × `create_note`	`'[["C","min7"],["F","dom7"]]'`
`add_mastering_chain`	3 × `add_effect` + 10 × `set_param`	`style="warm", target_lufs=-14`
`create_genre_track`	20-40 low-level calls	`genre="lofi"` → synth + drums + bass + chords

Mastering

The MCP server includes a full mastering chain for streaming-ready output:

Render — render_full (full mixdown) or export_stems (per-track stems)
Measure LUFS — measure_lufs (ITU-R BS.1770-4 K-weighting, gated mean squares)
Auto-gain — auto_gain (iterative: render → measure → adjust Maximizer threshold + output volume → re-render, converges ±1 LUFS)

python

# Render full mix
await server.mcp_opendaw_render_full("my_mix", 48000)

# Measure loudness
lufs = json.loads(await server.mcp_opendaw_measure_lufs("my_mix"))
# → {"lufs_integrated": -18.3, "true_peak_db": -3.71, ...}

# Auto-gain to Spotify target (-14 LUFS)
result = json.loads(await server.mcp_opendaw_auto_gain("-14", "mastered", 48000, "3"))
# → converges to -13.7 LUFS in 3 iterations

Platform targets: Spotify/YouTube -14 LUFS, Apple Music -16 LUFS, Tidal -14 LUFS.

Limitations

Headless only — some UI-dependent features (file dialogs, popup-based model loading) are not available
Single process — bridge state doesn't persist across Python process restarts
Upstream coupling — tools depend on openDAW's internal box system, which can change between versions
AU rename — requires adapter context not available in headless mode

Acknowledgments

andremichelle — creator of openDAW, an incredible browser-based DAW
Model Context Protocol — the protocol that makes agent-native tools possible

License

Apache-2.0 — see LICENSE

Changelog

v1.14.4 (2026-07-04)

Final 2 genre examples (E2E verified): genre_lofi.py (82 BPM, swung drums, jazzy ii-V-I, warm) and genre_trap.py (145 BPM, fast hi-hat rolls, gliding 808, dark minor). All 8 genres from the skill now covered with E2E examples. 30 examples total.

v1.14.3 (2026-07-04)

3 more genre examples (E2E verified): genre_hiphop.py (85 BPM, boom bap, 808 Ab minor), genre_dnb.py (174 BPM, Amen break, reese+sub F minor), genre_house.py (124 BPM, 4-on-floor, off-beat chord stabs Fmin9-Cmin9-Gmin9-Dmin9). 28 examples total, 6 genres covered.

v1.14.2 (2026-07-04)

2 new genre examples (E2E verified): genre_coldwave.py (100 BPM, Am-Fmaj7-Cmaj-Gdom7, 4 tracks, Dattorro+Waveshaper) and genre_ambient.py (70 BPM, Cmaj7-Amin7-Fmaj7-Gmaj7, pad+bell+texture, long reverbs). 25 examples total.
Fixed return key names in genre examples (notes_created / total_notes / lanes)

v1.14.1 (2026-07-04)

opendaw-genres skill — 8 genre templates with concrete parameters: techno, coldwave, hip-hop, ambient, DnB, house, lofi, trap. BPM, track layout, drum patterns, bass lines, chord progressions, effect chains, pan, LUFS targets. Not theory — actual tool calls and values. 8 skills total.

v1.14.0 (2026-07-04)

2 new agent skills: suno-to-opendaw (6-stage Suno→stems→openDAW→mix→master→export pipeline) and dsp-script-authoring (custom Werkstatt/Apparat/Spielwerk DSP script writing guide with patterns, validation, pitfalls). 7 skills total.
set_marker_repeat MCP tool (v1.13.1) — marker repeat count control (0=infinite)
263 MCP tools (254 low-level + 8 orchestration)

v1.13.0 (2026-07-04)

Preset Management: 2 new MCP tools for openDAW preset format (.opb). save_effect_preset encodes any audio effect chain into a shareable .opb bundle via PresetEncoder.encodeEffects. load_effect_preset decodes .opb and applies it to a project. Enables agent-driven preset creation and reuse.
5 Werkstatt presets published to upstream (PR #284): Dark Saturation, Plate Reverb, Cold Fold Distortion, Stereo Phaser, Stereo Chorus.
263 MCP tools (254 low-level + 8 orchestration)

v1.12.1 (2026-07-04)

Stem Splitter: 2 new MCP tools for SOTA open-source source separation. split_stems runs 7 modes locally on GPU (ensemble, scnet, bs6, polarformer, dereverb, drumsep, denoise). Optional auto-import into DAW. Uses BS-Roformer, HTDemucs FT, SCNet XL, MelBand Roformer models.
list_split_modes — list all separation modes with SDR scores
263 MCP tools (254 low-level + 8 orchestration)

v1.12.0 (2026-07-04)

Agent Skills: 8 structured skill files in skills/ directory — adaptive mix→master, suno-to-opendaw (Suno→stems→mix→master E2E), dsp-script-authoring (custom DSP), opendaw-genres (8 genre templates), opendaw-automation (263 tools, 146 ref files), track architecture, sound design, effect routing. Decision points for genre-adaptive workflows. Agent-agnostic.
26 DSP scripts total (15 Werkstatt + 5 Apparat + 6 Spielwerk)

v1.11.9 (2026-07-04)

CodeRabbit fixes: reverb stereo width (separate L/R comb banks with decorrelated delay times, M/S width on reverb tail), paulstretch cursor split (independent read/write cursors, proper frame emission gating)
26 DSP scripts total (15 Werkstatt + 5 Apparat + 6 Spielwerk)

v1.11.8 (2026-07-04)

New Werkstatt script: ring modulator with envelope-followed frequency modulation (#277) — workaround for MIDI input limitation in Werkstatt audio effects
26 DSP scripts total (15 Werkstatt + 5 Apparat + 6 Spielwerk)

v1.11.7 (2026-07-04)

Suno→openDAW pipeline example: import AI-generated track, add mastering chain (tape sat + lookahead comp), reverb send bus, MIDI arp layer, render + stems + LUFS

v1.11.6 (2026-07-04)

4 new Spielwerk MIDI effect scripts: chord memory, strummer, velocity scaler, MIDI delay
1 new Python example: Suno→openDAW pipeline (import AI track, mastering chain, reverb send, arp layer, render+stems)
26 DSP scripts total (15 Werkstatt + 5 Apparat + 6 Spielwerk)

v1.11.5 (2026-07-04)

7 new DSP scripts: DC remover + stereo width (#91), allpass filter (#133), 2-operator FM synth (#138), chord memory, strummer, velocity scaler, MIDI delay
Coldfold fix: removed unused range variable (CodeRabbit review)
26 DSP scripts total (15 Werkstatt + 5 Apparat + 6 Spielwerk)

v1.11.4 (2026-07-04)

1 new Apparat script: ring modulator synth with ADSR and sub-oscillator (#277)
18 DSP scripts total (12 Werkstatt + 4 Apparat + 2 Spielwerk)

v1.11.3 (2026-07-04)

1 new Werkstatt script: real-time pitch shifter via delay-line sweep (#188)
Ruff lint fixes: removed unused imports/variables in examples and midi_parser
17 DSP scripts total (12 Werkstatt + 3 Apparat + 2 Spielwerk)

v1.11.2 (2026-07-04)

10 DSP bug fixes synced from upstream PR #283 CodeRabbit review:
- darksat: undefined outR variable fix, DC blocker signal path corrected
- chorus: delay buffer 2× for depth modulation, safe modulo for negative indices
- coldfold: slew parameter /100 scaling removed (was disabling the parameter)
- lookahead: gain reduction now applied to delayed signal (true lookahead)
- reverb: comb filter indices advancing, per-comb damping state, M/S stereo width decode
- shimmer: per-channel pitch shifter state (eliminates stereo crosstalk)
- phaser: stable 1st-order allpass topology (2nd-order was unstable)
- subcrusher: bidirectional glide (was diverging on upward glides)
- arpeggiator: swing notes no longer dropped at block boundaries
14 DSP scripts total (9 Werkstatt + 3 Apparat + 2 Spielwerk) — all CodeRabbit issues addressed
2 new Werkstatt scripts: ADSR trim (sustained sample trimming, #241) + granular time-stretch (Hann window overlap + pitch shift, #201)
1 new Werkstatt script: real-time pitch shifter via delay-line sweep (#188)
1 new Apparat script: ring modulator synth with ADSR and sub-oscillator (#277)
18 DSP scripts total (12 Werkstatt + 4 Apparat + 2 Spielwerk)

v1.11.1 (2026-07-04)

Scriptable device mapping info — list_script_params now returns full @param mapping metadata (min, max, mapping type, unit) via ScriptDeclaration.parseParams()
Range validation — set_script_param now validates values against @param declarations: bool snaps to 0/1, int rounds+clamps, linear/exp clamps to [min, max]. Returns clamped flag and range info
_clamp_script_param Python helper mirrors JS-side clamping logic
+15 unit tests (93 total) — TestScriptParamClamping: linear/exp/int/bool/unipolar clamping, rounding, snapping
+6 integration E2E tests — bridge startup, globals, track ops, scriptable compile, param clamping, latency benchmark (avg 4ms round-trip)
5 new Werkstatt DSP scripts — reverb (Schroeder plate), chorus (stereo dual-LFO), phaser (allpass cascade), lookahead compressor (soft knee), shimmer delay (granular pitch shift). Total: 12 scripts
DAW_ScriptDeclaration added to headless-daw globals

v1.11.0 (2026-07-04)

apply_mix_preset — 8th orchestration tool: batch volume/pan/mute/solo across all tracks. Named presets (lofi, house, balanced, wide) or custom JSON
258 MCP tools (252 low-level + 8 orchestration)

v1.10.2 (2026-07-04)

24 new unit tests for orchestration tools (78 total) — curve interpolation, chord theory, drum pattern parsing, song structure parsing
TOOL_CATALOG fully synchronized — 0 discrepancies with server.py

v1.10.1 (2026-07-04)

258 MCP tools (253 low-level + 7 orchestration)
create_song_structure — arrangement markers (intro/verse/chorus/bridge/outro) from JSON section list
automation_sweep — smooth automation ramps with linear/exp/log curves. Replaces 10-30 create_automation_event calls
PyPI v1.10.1 published — pip install opendaw-mcp
Both orchestration tools tested end-to-end via Playwright bridge
54 tests, ruff clean, CI green

v1.10.0 (2026-07-04)

7 orchestration tools — high-level composers for agents:
- create_notes_batch — batch MIDI note creation (JSON array, one round-trip)
- create_drum_pattern — step-sequencer notation (x...x... → drum beat)
- create_chord_progression — chord names → auto-voiced notes ([["C","min7"]])
- add_mastering_chain — EQ + Compressor + Maximizer with style presets
- create_genre_track — full genre starting point (house/techno/lofi/dnb/trap/ambient)
- create_song_structure — arrangement markers from JSON
- automation_sweep — smooth parameter ramps with linear/exp/log curves
258 total tools (250 low-level + 7 orchestration + 1 internal)
set_metronome — dedicated metronome control (enabled, gain, beat_subdivision)
Module-level lookup tables — TIDAL_RATE_MAP, DELAY_SYNC_MAP, WAVESHAPER_FUNCS, REVAMP_SECTIONS extracted for testability
+23 new unit tests (54 total) — fraction maps, waveshaper funcs, revamp sections, safe_filename edge cases
Official ScriptCompiler migration — set_script_device_code now uses the real ScriptCompiler from @opendaw/studio-adapters instead of custom @param/@sample parser. Benefits: declaration caching (WeakMap), proper sample file cleanup, label parsing, correct worklet wrapping
Stems export fix — useInstrumentOutput changed from True→False. Stems now route through channel strip (effects, sends, volume/pan) as documented by naomiaro/opendaw-test
export_dry_stem — new tool for freeze/flatten/re-amp workflows: captures raw instrument output before effects
set_waveshaper_equation — 6 transfer functions (hardclip/cubicSoft/tanh/sigmoid/arctan/asymmetric)
set_crusher_crush — sample-rate reduction with documented crush inversion semantics
set_revamp_filter — 7 EQ sections (highpass/lowshelf/lowbell/midbell/highbell/highshelf/lowpass) with enabled/freq/gain/q/order
set_tidal_rate — musical fraction string → Tidal LFO rate index (17 entries)
set_delay_sync — musical fraction string → Delay synced time index (21 entries, includes "off")
Effect lookup case-insensitive — add_effect("werkstatt") now works alongside Werkstatt
naomiaro/opendaw-test research — 543 commits, 17 SDK doc chapters used as authoritative reference for effect parameters and box field names
54 tests, ruff clean, CI green

v1.9.6 (2026-07-03)

measure_lufs refactored — 223 lines → 20 lines. Extracted _parse_wav() and _compute_lufs() helpers
DRY: K-weighting coefficients — duplicated if/else branches (48kHz vs else) were identical, merged into single computation
9 new unit tests — WAV parsing (float32/mono/stereo/PCM16/invalid/no-data) + LUFS computation (silence/full-scale/low-level/stereo)
Social preview banner — custom OpenGraph image for GitHub link previews
awesome-mcp PR updated — title and body synced to 255 tools
GitHub topics — 18 topics for discoverability
31 total tests, ruff clean, CI green

v1.9.5 (2026-07-03)

CLI commands — --version, --list-tools, --help with full env var reference
31 unit tests — pytest covering _ok, _err, _wrap_eval, _unwrap_eval, _safe_filename, _safe_path, _parse_wav, _compute_lufs
3 bug fixes found by tests:
- _ok() — {"success": False} in data overwrote the True flag (security fix)
- _safe_filename() — case-sensitive extension stripping (.MP3 not stripped)
- _safe_filename() — Windows backslash path traversal not handled on Linux
CI enhanced — now runs pytest (54 tests) alongside syntax/AST/smoke/ruff checks
PEP 561 — py.typed marker for type checker support
Mastering pipeline example — full chain: render → measure LUFS → auto-gain → stems → MP3
25 examples total — all syntax-validated
255 total tools (added export_dry_stem for freeze/flatten workflows)

v1.9.4 (2026-07-03)

Removed 2 duplicate tools (245 → 243)
- delete_signature_event — superseded by delete_signature_change (richer: position match + index, returns updated event list)
- list_aux_sends — superseded by list_sends (richer: target_bus_name, send_level_db, routing, send_pan via box-level access)
TOOL_CATALOG.md regenerated from AST — all 255 tools with descriptions, 32 categories
server.json Docker tag fixed — was stale 1.0.0, now matches release version
255 total tools

v1.9.3 (2026-07-03)

DRY refactoring complete: 17 DAW_HELPERS, ~295 replacements, 0 raw enumeration patterns
- New helpers: markerBoxes, sendBoxes, busBoxes, sampleBoxes, noteTrackBoxes, clipBoxes, rootClipBoxes, scriptParams, scriptSamples, chainBoxes
- All pointerHub.incoming() enumeration patterns replaced across 245 tools
- CONTRIBUTING.md updated with full 17-helper reference table
- 6 DRY commits, 0 regressions, CI green

v1.9.2 (2026-07-03)

DRY refactoring: 113+ tools migrated to h.allAUBoxes() / h.auBox() helpers
- Replaced 133 occurrences of raw [...rootBox.audioUnits.pointerHub.incoming()].map(({box}) => box).sort(...) boilerplate with h.allAUBoxes() across 113+ MCP tools
- Box-level helpers eliminate ~3000 lines of duplicated AU enumeration code
- E2E verified: allAUBoxes returns sorted array, auBox(i) returns box by index, count matches raw, box identity matches
Security hardening
- Transport action enum validation (play, stop, toggle) — prevents JS injection
- duplicate_effect chain_type enum validation (audio, midi)
- _safe_filename() + _safe_path() helpers — os.path.basename() sanitization + path traversal protection on 6 render/export locations
- _unwrap_eval bare except → json.JSONDecodeError
245 total tools (no tool count change — refactoring only)

v1.9.1 (2026-07-03)

2 new generic tools: Boolean & Integer effect parameter setters
- set_effect_parameter_bool(unit_index, effect_index, parameter_name, value) — Generic boolean field setter. Covers Compressor (lookahead, automakeup, autoattack, autorelease), Gate (inverse), Maximizer (lookahead), StereoTool (invertL, invertR, swap), NeuralAmp (mono)
- set_effect_parameter_int(unit_index, effect_index, parameter_name, value) — Generic integer field setter. Covers Vocoder (bandCount), StereoTool (panningMixing), Fold (overSampling), Crusher (bits), Delay (version). Device-specific tools are preferred when available.
245 total tools

v1.9.0 (2026-07-03)

6 new tools: Device-Specific Parameters & NeuralAmp Model Loading
- set_neuralamp_model(unit_index, effect_index, model_json, label, pack_id) — Load NAM/Tone3000 model JSON directly into a NeuralAmp effect, bypassing the popup-based Select Flow. Creates NeuralAmpModelBox and links it via pointer
- set_vocoder_modulator_source(unit_index, effect_index, source) — Set Vocoder modulator source: noise-white, noise-pink, noise-brown, self, or external
- set_vocoder_band_count(unit_index, effect_index, band_count) — Set Vocoder filter band count (8-32)
- set_stereo_tool_panning(unit_index, effect_index, panning_mixing) — Set StereoTool panning law (linear, equal-power)
- set_fold_oversampling(unit_index, effect_index, oversampling) — Set Fold wavefolder oversampling (0=off, 1=2x, 2=4x)
- set_crusher_bits(unit_index, effect_index, bits) — Set Crusher bit depth (1-16)
255 total tools

v1.8.2 (2026-07-03)

2 new tools: Audio Region Time Base & Waveform Offset
- set_audio_region_time_base(unit_index, track_index, region_index, time_base) — Switch duration interpretation between 'musical' (PPQN, tempo-following) and 'seconds' (fixed wall-clock)
- set_audio_region_waveform_offset(unit_index, track_index, region_index, offset) — Set waveform display offset for visual alignment
PR #280 closed — andremichelle confirmed it's our bundler setup issue, not upstream. Closing as requested.
237 total tools

v1.8.1 (2026-07-03)

3 new tools: Warp Marker CRUD — create_warp_marker, delete_warp_marker, update_warp_marker
- create_warp_marker(unit_index, track_index, region_index, position_beats, seconds) — Add warp marker to stretched audio regions
- delete_warp_marker(unit_index, track_index, region_index, marker_index) — Delete non-anchor warp marker
- update_warp_marker(unit_index, track_index, region_index, marker_index, position_beats, seconds) — Update warp marker position/seconds (-1 = unchanged)
- Enables agent-driven tempo matching: programmatically pin audio regions to musical positions
235 total tools

v1.8.0 (2026-07-03)

3 new tools: MP3/FLAC Audio Conversion — convert_audio, render_full_format, export_stems_format
- convert_audio(filename, format, bitrate, quality) — WAV→MP3/FLAC via system ffmpeg
- render_full_format(filename, format, bitrate) — render + convert in one step
- export_stems_format(filename_prefix, format, bitrate) — stems + convert each
- Uses system ffmpeg (4.4.2), not browser WASM — more reliable in headless mode
- E2E: WAV 1.01MB → MP3 0.11MB (ratio 0.106) → FLAC 0.19MB (ratio 0.194) ✅
Bugfix: operator precedence in 14 division+nullish coalescing expressions
- X / Quarter ?? 0 → (X ?? 0) / Quarter — prevents NaN→null for position/duration fields
Improvement: get_track_info now includes exclude_piano_mode field
232 total tools

v1.7.4 (2026-07-03)

3 new tools: Engine Sleep/Wake + Loading Check — engine_sleep, engine_wake, query_loading_complete
- engine_sleep() — suspend audio processing to save CPU during non-audio operations
- engine_wake() — resume audio processing
- query_loading_complete() — check if all audio samples are loaded and ready
- E2E: sleep ✅, wake ✅, loading (loaded=false, is_ready=true) ✅
Improvement: get_effect_chain + get_midi_effect_chain — now return short type names (Delay instead of DelayDeviceBox), plus class, minimized fields

v1.7.3 (2026-07-03)

2 new tools: Instrument Automation — add_instrument_automation, list_automatable_fields
- Automate any instrument parameter: Vaporisateur cutoff/volume/ADSR, Tape flutter/wow, Playfield sample mute
- Per-sample targeting via sample_index for Playfield
- list_automatable_fields introspects Pointers.Automation support (18/23 on Vaporisateur)
- Addresses upstream #269 (playfield mute automation) via MCP
- E2E: Vaporisateur cutoff automated (3 events) ✅, 18 automatable fields ✅

v1.7.2 (2026-07-03)

3 new tools: Effect Duplication + Instrument Automation — duplicate_effect, add_instrument_automation, list_automatable_fields
- duplicate_effect — duplicate single effect in-place with all params copied (audio or MIDI chain)
- add_instrument_automation — automate any instrument parameter (Vaporisateur cutoff/volume, Tape flutter, Playfield sample mute, etc). Supports per-sample targeting via sample_index
- list_automatable_fields — introspect which fields support Pointers.Automation (18/23 on Vaporisateur)
- Addresses upstream issue #273 (Ctrl+D for audio effects) and #269 (playfield mute automation) via MCP
- E2E tested: Delay duplicated with params ✅, Vaporisateur cutoff automated (3 events) ✅, 18 automatable fields detected ✅
Bugfix: transport(action) now respects action parameter — was always toggling, now correctly handles "play", "stop", "toggle"
Cleanup: removed unused region_type param from set_region_duration and set_region_mute

v1.7.1 (2026-07-03)

4 new tools: Engine Control — engine_panic(), get_engine_status(), schedule_clip_play(clip_ids), schedule_clip_stop(track_ids)
- Panic button for stuck audio, real-time engine monitoring (CPU load, position, BPM, playing state), session view clip triggering
- E2E tested: get_engine_status ✅, engine_panic ✅

v1.7.0 (2026-07-03)

2 new tools: DawProject Interop — export_dawproject(filename), import_dawproject(filename)
- Export/import projects in .dawproject format (Bitwig, Ableton, rePitch compatible)
- ZIP containing project.xml, metadata.xml, and audio samples
- Enables cross-DAW workflow: create in openDAW → export to Bitwig, or import Bitwig project → render in openDAW
- DawProject + DawProjectImport exposed as globals in headless-daw
- E2E tested: export (2442 bytes, valid ZIP) → import (7 boxes, round-trip OK)

v1.6.2 (2026-07-03)

2 new tools: Studio Settings — get_studio_settings(), set_studio_setting(category, key, value)
- Read/write StudioPreferences: engine, visibility, editing, debug, storage, time-display, pointer
- Control auto-create-output-maximizer, overlapping-regions-behaviour, enable-beta-features, auto-delete-orphaned-samples, note-audition-while-editing, and more
- StudioPreferences exposed as DAW_StudioPreferences global in headless-daw

v1.6.1 (2026-07-03)

4 new tools from DAW globals research — set_unit_minimized, list_aux_sends, capture_realtime, get_sample_info
- Mixer minimize, aux send listing, realtime audio capture, sample metadata

v1.6.0 (2026-07-03)

DAW_HELPERS refactoring — all 180 tools with const p = window.DAW migrated to const h = window.DAW_HELPERS pattern
- Eliminated boilerplate: AU list enumeration, sort, editing.modify wrapping
- Fixed 19+ pre-existing bugs: setPosition (api→engine), 8x missing .sort() on AU lists, 9x Quarter=960 hardcode → h.ppqn.Quarter, 2x Python/JS scope leaks
- DAW_HELPERS provides: h.au(i), h.track(), h.region(), h.modify(), h.allAUs(), h.ppqn, h.uuid, h.rootBox, h.api, h.editing, h.boxGraph, h.tempoMap, h.rootBoxAdapter, h.project
E2E verified: 23/23 tests passing

v1.5.2 (2026-07-02)

Sanitization: all string parameters sanitized against JS injection
Documentation: README badges, Docker, SSE, examples, mastering
CI: GitHub Actions with AST tool count verification

v1.5.0 (2026-07-01)

Modular system: 6 MCP tools for patchable modular synthesizer
PianoMode: 6 MCP tools for piano roll view control
Freeze/unfreeze: pre-render AU to save CPU
Preset save/load: export/import AU as base64 preset
Transfer regions/AUs: deep-copy with dependency tracking

Install

Configuration

Environment variables

OPENDAW_HOST_DIRrequired

Path to the headless openDAW host directory

OPENDAW_URLrequired

URL of the running openDAW Vite dev server

OPENDAW_EXPORT_DIR

Directory for rendered audio exports

NODE_BIN_DIR

Path to Node.js binary directory (if not on PATH)

Add to VS Code Add to Cursor

claude_desktop_config.json

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "opendaw-mcp": {
      "command": "docker",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "ghcr.io/ameobius/opendaw-mcp:1.13.0"
      ],
      "env": {
        "OPENDAW_HOST_DIR": "<YOUR_OPENDAW_HOST_DIR>",
        "OPENDAW_URL": "<YOUR_OPENDAW_URL>",
        "OPENDAW_EXPORT_DIR": "<YOUR_OPENDAW_EXPORT_DIR>",
        "NODE_BIN_DIR": "<YOUR_NODE_BIN_DIR>"
      }
    }
  }
}