Maxmsp MCP Server

This project enables large language models to directly understand and generate audio effect modules in the Max audio processing software through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It supports explaining, modifying, and creating audio effect modules and provides an interaction interface with LLMs.

Education and learning tools Voice processing #Audio programming #AI assistance #MaxMSP #Model protocol .JavaScript

rating : 2.5 points

downloads : 33

update time : 2025-04-28

What is the MaxMSP-MCP Server?

This is an innovative tool based on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) that allows large language models (LLMs) to directly interact with the Max/MSP audio programming environment. It can explain how existing Max patches work and generate new audio processing modules according to user requirements.

How to use the MaxMSP-MCP Server?

After installing the Python environment, connect a supported LLM client (such as Claude or Cursor), and then start the proxy interface in Max/MSP to begin collaborating with AI for audio programming.

Applicable scenarios

Suitable for scenarios such as music producers learning Max/MSP, rapid prototyping, teaching demonstrations, and debugging complex audio programs. Particularly suitable for users who are not familiar with Max/MSP but want to quickly implement audio ideas.

Main features

Patch explanationAI can explain in detail the function of each object in the Max patch and the signal flow path

Patch generationAutomatically generate fully functional Max patches based on user descriptions

Documentation integrationAI can access the official Max documentation to ensure the accuracy of explanations and suggestions

Real-time debuggingVerify the correctness of each object during the generation process to reduce errors

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

Lower the learning threshold of Max/MSP

Accelerate the audio programming workflow

Provide professional implementation suggestions

Support multiple LLM clients

Limitations

Requires Max 9 or a later version

Some complex audio algorithms may require manual optimization

Depends on the availability of third-party LLM services

How to use

Installation prerequisites

Ensure that Python 3.8+ and the uv package manager are installed, as well as Max 9+

Clone the repository

Get the project source code

Set up the environment

Create a virtual environment and install dependencies

Connect the LLM client

Select and configure your preferred LLM service

Start in Max

Open the example patch, install npm dependencies, and start the service

Usage examples

Explain an existing patchAI can analyze and explain how an existing Max patch works, even if there are no comments in the patch

Create an FM synthesizerGenerate a complete FM synthesizer implementation based on a simple description

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Max 9 or a later version required?

Can it be used offline?

Which LLM clients are supported?

Can the generated patches be directly used in a production environment?

Related resources

MCP Protocol official website

Learn detailed information about the Model Context Protocol

Example video - Explaining a patch

Watch a real demonstration of AI explaining a Max patch

Example video - Generating an FM synthesizer

Watch the complete process of AI creating an FM synthesizer

GitHub repository

Project source code and the latest updates

🚀 Maxmsp-Mcp Server

This project utilizes the Model Context Protocol (MCP), enabling Large Language Models (LLMs) to directly understand and generate Max patches.

🚀 Quick Start

Understanding: LLM Interprets a Max Patch

Video Link. Acknowledgment: The interpreted patch is from here. The text comments in the original file have been removed.

Generation: LLM Creates an FM Synthesizer

Watch the full video, where you can hear the synthesized sound.

The LLM agent can access the official documentation of each object, as well as the objects in the current patch and sub - patch windows, which aids in retrieving and interpreting objects, debugging, and validating its own behavior.

📦 Installation

Prerequisites

Python 3.8 or higher
uv package manager
Max 9 or higher (since some scripts require the Javascript V8 engine). We haven't tested it on Max 8 or earlier versions of Max.

Installing the MCP Server

Install uv:

# On macOS and Linux:
curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
# On Windows:
powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -c "irm https://astral.sh/uv/install.ps1 | iex"

Clone this repository and open its directory:

git clone https://github.com/tiianhk/MaxMSP-MCP-Server.git
cd MaxMSP-MCP-Server

Create a new environment and install Python dependencies:

uv venv
uv pip install -r requirements.txt

Connect the MCP server to an MCP client (hosting LLMs):

# Using Claude:
python install.py --client claude
# Or Cursor:
python install.py --client cursor

To use other clients (check the list), you need to download the configuration file path and manually add it to here, then run python install.py --client {your_client_name} for connection.

Installing into a Max Patch

Use or copy MaxMSP_Agent/demo.maxpat. In the first tab, click the script npm version message to verify if npm is installed. Then click script npm install to install the required dependencies. Switch to the second tab to access the agent. Click script start to initiate communication with Python. After connecting, you can interact with it using the LLM interface to have it interpret, modify, or create Max objects in the patch.