FL Studio MCP

FL Studio MCP Server

Real-time AI-assisted music production, advanced composition, mixing, and VST coordination for FL Studio via bidirectional MIDI & WebSockets.

🎼 Overwhelming Developer & Producer Power

The FL Studio MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open-source bridge that enables AI agents to seamlessly interact with FL Studio. This project exposes 121 distinct tools—ranging from basic transport controls and channel rack sequencing to advanced features like mixing, mastering, arrangement generation, live performance, generative vocals, version control, and extreme AI automation—directly to any MCP-compatible AI (like Claude, Gemini, or custom LLM wrappers).

Whether you're looking to generate complex polyrhythms, optimize harmonic chord voicings, or automate a visual click inside Serum, the FL Studio MCP gives you full, type-safe, dry-run-capable control over your DAW.

🛠️ Architecture

The MCP server maintains a persistent, thread-safe, and concurrent-safe connection queue. Below is the simplified message flow between the client, server, and FL Studio instance:

                  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
                  │          Claude Desktop / MCP Client         │
                  └──────────────────────┬───────────────────────┘
                                         │ stdio (JSON-RPC)
                                         ▼
                  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
                  │            FL Studio MCP Server              │
                  │              (Python / FastMCP)              │
                  └───────┬──────────────────────────────┬───────┘
                          │                              │
                          ▼ (MIDI SysEx / MMC)           ▼ (OS native script execution)
             ┌─────────────────────────┐    ┌─────────────────────────┐
             │    FLStudioBridge       │    │      GUIAutomation      │
             │  (Lock-guarded I/O)     │    │  (AppleScript/PSh-VBS)  │
             └────┬───────────────▲────┘    └────────────┬────────────┘
                  │               │                      │
                  │ MIDI SysEx    │ Responses            │ Focus / Layout / Mouse Clicks
                  ▼ (IAC/loopMIDI)│ (SysEx)              ▼
             ┌────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┐
             │                     FL Studio                     │
             │           (FL MCP Bridge script v1.4)             │
             └───────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

The codebase is highly modular and strictly structured:

src/fl_studio_mcp/server.py: FastMCP server entry point containing tool, resource, and prompt registrations.
src/fl_studio_mcp/bridge.py: A lock-guarded, concurrent-safe singleton managing the physical MIDI input/output ports and response queries.
src/fl_studio_mcp/transports/: An abstract transport layer isolating platform specifics. Supports MacOSMIDITransport (IAC Driver), WindowsMIDITransport (loopMIDI), and WebSocketMIDITransport (network-based virtualization).
src/fl_studio_mcp/automation/: OS-specific scripts (macos.py using AppleScript, windows.py using VBScript + PowerShell) to focus the DAW, click coordinates, reset window layout (Ctrl+Shift+H), and dismiss popup dialogs.
src/fl_studio_mcp/theory.py: Pure music theory engine containing Euclidean rhythm generators, Markov chain melodies, chord voicing grids, and minimum-transposition voice-leading optimization routines.
src/fl_studio_mcp/presets.py: A JSON-backed local patch librarian that tracks custom coordinate click coordinates for third-party VSTs.

🧰 The Toolkit (101 Tools)

FL Studio MCP exposes a massively comprehensive suite of 111 distinct tools, broken down by production phase:

1. Connection & Diagnostics (3)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_list_midi_ports | Scans and lists all available hardware and virtual MIDI input/output ports. | No | | fl_connect | Establishes connection to targeted MIDI ports. Supports dry_run=true to preview. | No | | fl_disconnect | Closes active MIDI input/output ports and resets the bridge state cleanly. | No |

2. Transport, Undo & Latency (6)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_play_transport | Sends MIDI MMC Play command to start playback instantly. | No | | fl_stop_transport | Sends MIDI MMC Stop command to halt playback. | No | | fl_set_tempo | Set song tempo (20 to 999 BPM) via 7-bit encoded SysEx payload. | Yes | | fl_undo | Triggers a fader/history Undo operation inside FL Studio. | Yes | | fl_redo | Triggers a fader/history Redo operation inside FL Studio. | Yes | | fl_ping | Diagnostic ping-pong test to measure round-trip SysEx latency. | Yes |

3. Realtime Notes & Input (2)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_insert_notes | Play or record 1-128 MIDI notes. Accepts pitch ints (60) or names ("C4", "F#3"). | Yes | | fl_add_chord_progression | Inserts structured progressions. Supports random velocity humanization and swing. | Yes |

4. Project Operations (1)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_save_project | Triggers a project save (Ctrl+S equivalent) to protect your session work. | Yes |

5. Status & Channels (4)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_get_status | [Bidirectional] Returns transport playing state, BPM, pattern index, channel count. | Yes | | fl_list_channels | [Bidirectional] Lists names and indexes of all channel rack instruments. | Yes | | fl_set_channel_volume | Sets a channel rack volume level (0 to 127, 100 = unity gain). | Yes | | fl_set_channel_pan | Adjusts channel panning (0 = full Left, 64 = Center, 127 = full Right). | Yes |

6. Patterns & Renaming (5)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_create_pattern | Creates and jumps to the next available empty pattern slot. | Yes | | fl_select_pattern | Jumps to a pattern by index (0-based). | Yes | | fl_list_patterns | [Bidirectional] Lists names and indexes of all existing pattern slots. | Yes | | fl_rename_channel | Updates the text label of a channel rack slot. | Yes | | fl_rename_pattern | Updates the text label of a pattern slot. | Yes |

7. Pattern Info & Read (3)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_get_notes | [Bidirectional] Reads notes of the active pattern from the MIDI controller cache. | Yes | | fl_get_context | [Bidirectional] Returns pattern index, active channel rack index, and beat length. | Yes | | fl_set_pattern_length | Resizes the active pattern length in beats/ticks. | Yes |

8. Mixer Routing & Levels (4)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_set_mixer_volume | Sets volume fader (0 to 127) for a specific mixer insert. | Yes | | fl_set_mixer_pan | Sets panning knob (0 to 127, 64 = Center) for a mixer insert. | Yes | | fl_route_to_mixer | Routes a channel rack instrument to a dedicated mixer track insert. | Yes | | fl_get_mixer_state | [Bidirectional] Queries levels, panning, names, and routings for a range of tracks. | Yes |

9. Mixing & Mute/Solo (3)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_panic | Sends All-Notes-Off + All-Sound-Off to all 16 MIDI channels. Kills stuck notes. | No | | fl_mute_channel | Mutes or unmutes a channel rack slot. | Yes | | fl_solo_channel | Solos or unsolos a channel rack slot. | Yes |

10. VST Database & File Loader (4)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_list_installed_plugins | Scans system directories for VST, VST3, AU, and FL database plugins. | No | | fl_list_library | Scans user folders for templates, presets, MIDI scores, and audio samples. | No | | fl_load_plugin | Invokes F8/Plugin picker, filters, and loads a plugin via Native OS automation. | No | | fl_load_file | Focuses FL Studio and loads a preset, project file, audio loop, or score. | No |

11. Native OS GUI Automation (3)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_click_at | Simulates a native mouse click at $X, Y$ coordinate coordinates. | No | | fl_reset_ui | Aligns DAW workspace and piano roll windows safely (Ctrl+Shift+H). | No | | fl_dismiss_popup | Focuses FL Studio and issues Enter/Escape keystrokes to auto-clear modal popups. | No |

12. AI VST Preset Librarian (3)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_catalog_vst_preset | Stores coordinate click coordinates, category, tags, and notes for VST presets. | No | | fl_search_vst_presets | Searches your cataloged presets by name, category, or description tag. | No | | fl_load_vst_preset | Looks up saved coordinates, focuses FL Studio, and clicks to trigger patch changes. | No |

13. Algorithmic Composition Helpers (3)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_insert_euclidean_drums | Generates Euclidean drum rhythm step sequences using Bjorklund's algorithm. | Yes | | fl_generate_markov_melody | Generates organic, scale-constrained melodies using transition probability tables. | Yes | | fl_insert_voice_led_progression | Inserts chord progressions with minimized pitch transpositions (voice-leading solver). | Yes |

14. Super-Producer AI Tools (7)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_analyze_sample | Analyzes .wav files via librosa for BPM, Key, and transient detection. | No | | fl_auto_slice | Chops loops into discrete samples based on DSP transient detection. | No | | fl_vision_read_vst | Captures screen (mss) and mocks a VLM to "read" non-automatable synth UIs. | No | | fl_vision_click_vst | Executes coordinate-based PyAutoGUI clicks on Vision-derived UI nodes. | No | | fl_separate_stems | Isolates vocals, drums, bass, and other using Demucs. | No | | fl_render_stems | Bounces isolated tracks iteratively using the headless render macro. | No | | fl_generate_sequence | Simulates a Generative MIDI Transformer to output realistic 16-bar drum/melody grooves. | Yes | | fl_sync_session | Zips .flp and audio files, then sends a Webhook (e.g., Discord) alert. | No |

15. The Autonomous Mix Engineer (8)

| Tool Name | Description | Needs Bridge Script | |:---|:---|:---:| | fl_auto_mix_balance | Automatically calculates RMS of all tracks and balances faders to a pink-noise curve. | No | | fl_auto_sidechain | Intelligently routes Kick to Bass and inserts a Fruity Limiter for ducking. | No | | fl_vocal_chain_builder | Inserts genre-specific FX chains (Pitcher, EQ, De-Esser, Reverb) on vocal tracks. | No | | fl_index_sample_library | Scans local splice/drumkit directories to build an acoustic vector database. | No | | fl_semantic_sample_search | Finds and loads samples using natural language (e.g., "dark punchy 808"). | No | | fl_generate_song_structure | Expands a loop into a full 3-minute arrangement (Intro, Verse, Chorus, etc.). | No | | fl_generate_transitions | Injects risers, crashes, and automated filter sweeps at song section boundaries. | No | | fl_generate_synth_preset | AI generates parameters for synths (Vital, Serum) from natural language prompts. | No |

🎚️ Phase 10: Mastering & Creative Director

fl_auto_master – Applies a commercial mastering chain driven to hit a target LUFS (e.g. -14 LUFS).
fl_eq_reference_match – Analyzes and applies an EQ curve to match the tonal balance of a commercial reference track.
fl_gross_beat_automator – Automates Gross Beat for instant halftime, tape-stop, and gated FX.
fl_auto_glitch_chops – Automatically slices and rearranges playlist audio clips for glitch fills.
fl_audio_to_midi – Extracts harmonic pitch data from audio and converts it to Piano Roll MIDI notes.
fl_generate_counter_melody – Analyzes a chord progression to generate a complementary counter-melody.
fl_build_patcher_instrument – Programmatically builds a complex layered instrument using FL Studio's Patcher.

Phase 11: The Executive Producer (Tools 67 - 71)

fl_vst_parameter_bridge_macro: Create multi-parameter macro knobs for VSTs.
fl_multi_track_vocal_align: Align multiple vocal dubs/harmonies to a lead vocal track.
fl_zge_video_wizard: Generate reactive visuals based on track stems using ZGE Visualizer.
fl_project_version_control: Track and manage multiple versions/mixes of an FLP.
fl_spatial_audio_panner: Automate Dolby Atmos/Binaural panning for spatial mixing.

Phase 12: The God-Tier Producer (Tools 72 - 81)

fl_live_performance_mode: Trigger loops and clips in FL's Performance Mode.
fl_stem_separation_remix: Extract acapella and generate an instrumental remix.
fl_foley_to_drumkit: Slice foley transients and map them to Slicex.
fl_vocal_synth_vocodex: Route vocals and synths into Vocodex automatically.
fl_lyric_to_vocal_take: Generate TTS audio and align it using Pitcher.
fl_hardware_cv_gate_bridge: Send CV signals to external modular gear.
fl_advanced_groove_extractor: Extract groove from audio and apply to MIDI.
fl_cpu_optimizer_bounce: Identify high CPU VSTs and Bounce in Place.
fl_collaborative_cloud_sync: Package and upload project for remote collaboration.
fl_industry_metadata_tagger: Embed ISRC codes and ASCAP splits into exported WAV.

Phase 13: The Visionary (Tools 82 - 91)

fl_neuro_genre_fusion: Mathematically blend properties of two distinct genres.
fl_ai_session_musician_improviser: Generate humanized 16-bar AI improvised solos.
fl_dynamic_soundscape_generator: Create generative, multi-layered ambient beds from text.
fl_vocal_chain_cloner: Clone EQ, compression, and FX chains from a reference acapella.
fl_film_score_sync: Sync tension strings and impacts to specific video timecodes.
fl_psychoacoustic_exciter: Maximize perceived loudness via mid-side EQ and phase manipulation.
fl_auto_foley_foley_designer: Synthesize complex foley sounds from scratch via FM routing.
fl_adaptive_live_looping: Setup Ableton-style auto-slice live looping with Edison.
fl_chord_voicing_humanizer: Spread chord voicings and humanize strum velocities.
fl_project_health_monitor: Background daemon to detect phase issues, CPU spikes, and ear fatigue.

Phase 14: The Architect (Tools 92 - 101)

fl_macro_arrangement_builder: Place arrangement markers and dummy blocks from structural text.
fl_vocal_chop_kaleidoscope: Slice transients and generate glitchy, key-locked rhythmic sequences.
fl_polyphonic_bass_extractor: Extract low-end sub frequencies from complex loops to MIDI.
fl_auto_gain_staging_assistant: Normalize mixer faders to a pink-noise reference curve (-18dBFS).
fl_drum_pattern_euclidean: Generate complex polyrhythmic grooves via Euclidean math.
fl_sidechain_matrix_wizard: Route all bass/synths to a Ghost Kick channel automatically.
fl_generative_transition_fx: Synthesize risers, sweeps, and drops automatically before song sections.
fl_hardware_synth_patch_dumper: Bridge SysEx to pull and save patches from external hardware gear.
fl_plugin_latency_compensator: Auto-detect and fix manual track delays for PDC phase smearing.
fl_holographic_mixer_ui: Build a Patcher dashboard of the top 10 most-automated project parameters.

Phase 15: The Director (Tools 102 - 111)

fl_podcast_auto_editor: Detect silence, cross-talk, and apply gating/ducking for broadcast podcasts.
fl_spectral_morphing_engine: Use Harmor to morph spectral characteristics of two distinct samples.
fl_automated_remix_contest_parser: Unpack stems, detect key/BPM, and map to Playlist perfectly.
fl_polyphonic_aftertouch_generator: Generate complex MPE automation data for block chords.
fl_orchestral_articulation_mapper: Swap orchestral articulations based on MIDI phrasing (via BRSO).
fl_generative_lyric_video_sync: Map lyric text to vocal transients via ZGameEditor Visualizer.
fl_master_bus_clipper_optimizer: Mathematically soft-clip master bus to save headroom perfectly.
fl_lofi_degradation_matrix: Apply automated tape wow, flutter, and vinyl crackle routed via parallel.
fl_song_structure_mutator: Algorithmic rearrangement of Playlist blocks to IDM/Glitch hop sequence.
fl_vst_preset_ai_curator: Scan local .fst libraries and NLP tag presets for instant loading.

Phase 16: The Virtuoso (Tools 112 - 121)

fl_neural_rhythm_quantizer: Extract timing/groove swing and velocity maps from live audio to create custom FL Groove Templates.
fl_sub_bass_harmonic_synthesizer: Automatically generate matching sub-bass MIDI patterns with custom harmonic saturation.
fl_dynamic_vocal_rider: Balance vocal levels against instrumental mixes using fine-grained volume automation curves.
fl_intelligent_transient_splitter: Split audio signals into separate Transient and Sustain channels routed to parallel mixer tracks.
fl_chord_progression_voicer: Voice MIDI chord progressions automatically using standard keyboard voice-leading rules.
fl_multiband_stereo_widener_matrix: Split signals into Low (mono), Mid (Haas-widened), and High (delay-widened) frequency bands.
fl_polyphonic_midi_to_audio_harmonizer: Generate multi-part backing harmonies from vocal audio tracks and MIDI chord patterns.
fl_resampler_glitch_generator: Bounce playlist regions to audio, load them into Slicex/Granulizer, and randomize parameters for glitch fills.
fl_intelligent_sidechain_carver: Set up dynamic frequency-specific sidechain ducking centered around target Low bands.
fl_ai_track_sheet_generator: Auto-scan project layout and compile a professional markdown/HTML tracking sheet.

📦 Installation & Setup

1. Enable loopback MIDI

macOS (IAC Driver): Open Audio MIDI Setup ➔ MIDI Studio ➔ Double-click IAC Driver ➔ Check "Device is online" ➔ Ensure a bus named "IAC Driver Bus 1" is active.
Windows (loopMIDI): Install loopMIDI ➔ Create a virtual loopback port named "loopMIDI Port".

2. Sync dependencies

Ensure you have uv installed, then synchronize the environment:

uv sync --all-extras

3. Install the FL Studio Controller Script

Copy the controller script into your local FL Studio hardware settings folder:

# macOS
cp -r fl_studio_scripts/fl_mcp_bridge ~/Documents/Image-Line/FL\ Studio/Settings/Hardware/

# Windows (Command Prompt)
xcopy /E /I fl_studio_scripts\fl_mcp_bridge "%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Image-Line\FL Studio\Settings\Hardware\fl_mcp_bridge"

In FL Studio:

Open Options ➔ MIDI Settings.
Select your loopback port under Input ➔ Click Enable ➔ Set Controller type to FL MCP Bridge.
Select the same port under Output ➔ Click Enable ➔ Match the port index (required for bidirectional queries).
Check the FL Studio output log—it will print [FL MCP Bridge v1.4] Initialized.

🌐 WebSocket Network Transport (Hardware-Free Integration)

If you are running FL Studio inside a virtual machine, container, or remote server over a network and do not have access to virtual MIDI cables:

Connect the bridge using standard network sockets by specifying a WebSocket URL as the port:

# Starts a local WebSocket server on port 8765
uv run fl-studio connect --port "ws://localhost:8765"

Your script client in FL Studio can connect to this network bridge. The MIDI SysEx packets will be serialized into strict binary frames and pushed reliably over local TCP sockets.

⌨️ Standalone CLI Interface

The MCP package ships with a Click-powered standalone shell command fl-studio. Port connection preferences are persisted in ~/.fl_studio_mcp.json for seamless command calls:

# List available hardware & virtual MIDI ports
uv run fl-studio ports

# Connect to IAC port
uv run fl-studio connect --port "IAC Driver Bus 1"

# Check DAW live status
uv run fl-studio status

# Perform a tempo change
uv run fl-studio tempo 128

# Control transport
uv run fl-studio play
uv run fl-studio stop

# Channel rack volume & mute
uv run fl-studio channels list
uv run fl-studio channels volume 0 100
uv run fl-studio channels mute 1

# Safe emergency halt
uv run fl-studio panic

🧪 Comprehensive Tests (100% Green)

The server is backed by a massive 337-test suite covering MIDI packet serializations, music theory matrix mathematics, concurrent lock scheduling, mock OS AppleScript/VBScript string matches, and WebSocket network connection lifecycles:

# Run the complete test suite (runs fully in-memory, no hardware required!)
uv run pytest tests/ -v

🚀 Claude Desktop Configuration

Edit your local configuration file ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "fl_studio_mcp": {
      "command": "uv",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "--directory",
        "/absolute/path/to/FL STUDIO McP",
        "fl-studio-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Restart Claude Desktop and you'll find the tools active!

📝 Example AI Orchestration Prompts

You can ask your AI assistant to run complete music-making workflows, for example:

1. Generating a Trap Beat Skeleton

"Connect to the MIDI bridge. Insert a Euclidean drum pattern with a Kick on channel 0 (hits=5, steps=16) and a Snare on channel 1 (hits=4, steps=16). Apply 'humanize' velocity modifier."

2. Smooth Voice-Led Progression

"Create a progression in C minor: 'C5-minor, G5-minor, Ab4-major, Bb4-major'. Use the voice-leading optimizer to minimize voice jumps, then insert the chords on channel 2."

3. VST Patch Auditioning

"Focus FL Studio, catalog a new preset click at coordinates X=420, Y=180 named 'Lead Pluck' for Serum, then load the preset automatically."

⚠️ Troubleshooting & Stuck Notes

Hanging Notes: If a synthesizer rings out indefinitely, run fl_panic immediately. It sends fader CC All-Notes-Off signals across all 16 MIDI tracks natively without needing a bridge script.
Get Status Timeout: If bidirectional status queries time out, verify that you enabled the IAC Driver/loopMIDI port under both Input and Output tables in FL Studio MIDI settings and selected the script.

Handcrafted for creators, engineers, and AI developers. Keep the beats flowing.