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MaxMSP MCP Server

Source-install MCP server that connects Claude to Max, Max/MSP, and Jitter patches so it can inspect patch objects, add and remove objects, connect and disconnect patch cords, set attributes, send messages, trigger bangs, and use bundled Max object documentation while building or explaining patches.

by Haokun Tian and Shuoyang Zheng·added 2026-06-06·
Claude CodeClaude Desktop
HarnessClaude CodeClaude Desktop
Review first — review before installing

Open the source and read safety notes before installing.

Safety notes

  • MaxMSP MCP Server can add and remove Max objects, connect and disconnect patch cords, set object attributes, change message text, set number boxes, and send messages or bangs to named objects.
  • These actions can alter a patch, trigger audio or visual behavior, destabilize a live performance patch, or change saved creative work if used on an important project.
  • The Max-side bridge starts a Socket.IO server inside Max with permissive CORS in the reviewed source, so keep it bound to trusted local workflows and avoid exposing it to untrusted networks.
  • The installer writes MCP client configuration files, so review paths and generated config before running it on shared or managed machines.
  • The setup installs Python and npm dependencies from the source project; review dependency manifests before installing or running the bridge.

Privacy notes

  • Patch object names, arguments, comments, selected objects, subpatch structure, and generated Max documentation context can be sent to the MCP client and model.
  • Prompts and transcripts can reveal unreleased music, audiovisual systems, installation designs, performance patches, plugin ideas, or teaching material.
  • Socket.IO traffic between the Python server and Max can carry patch structure and command payloads, so keep the bridge on trusted local interfaces.
  • Back up patches and avoid exposing proprietary samples, cue logic, show-control data, or private project notes through the MCP session.

Prerequisites

  • Python 3.8 or newer, uv, and the Python MCP CLI available to the configured MCP client.
  • Max 9 or newer, according to the upstream README.
  • npm available inside Max for the bundled MaxMSP_Agent bridge dependencies.
  • A cloned copy of the source repository and the MaxMSP_Agent bridge installed in the patch you want Claude to inspect or edit.
  • A backup or disposable copy of the Max patch before allowing Claude to modify objects, patch cords, messages, or attributes.

Schema details

Install type
cli
Troubleshooting
No
Source repository stats
Scope
Source repo
Collection metadata
Estimated setup
25 minutes
Difficulty
advanced
Tool listing metadata
Full copyable content
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "MaxMSPMCP": {
      "command": "mcp",
      "args": ["run", "<path-to-MaxMSP-MCP-Server/server.py>"]
    }
  }
}

About this resource

Content

MaxMSP MCP Server is a source-install Model Context Protocol server for Max, Max/MSP, and Jitter patch workflows. It connects a Python MCP server to a Socket.IO bridge running inside Max so Claude can inspect patch contents, explain objects, create objects, remove objects, connect and disconnect objects, set attributes, update message boxes, set number values, and send messages or bangs to named objects.

The project includes a bundled Max bridge patch and JavaScript helpers, a Python MCP server, generated Max object documentation, and an installer that can add the server to supported MCP clients. It is a third-party implementation and is not made by Cycling '74.

Source Review

These sources were reviewed on 2026-06-06. Prefer the live repository, README, Python server, installer, dependency manifests, Max-side JavaScript bridge files, and license file for current setup requirements, tool behavior, bridge behavior, dependencies, and licensing.

Features

  • Source-install Python MCP server using FastMCP and python-socketio.
  • Local Socket.IO bridge between the MCP server and a Max patch.
  • Tools to add and remove Max objects, connect and disconnect objects, set attributes, set message text, set number values, and send messages or bangs.
  • Tools to inspect objects in the current patch, inspect selected objects, read object attributes, and find an avoid-rectangle position for new objects.
  • Bundled MaxMSP_Agent demo patch and Max JavaScript bridge files.
  • Bundled Max object documentation data used to help Claude explain and generate patch elements.
  • Installer support for Claude, Cursor, and VS Code style MCP configuration files.
  • MIT license.

Installation

Clone the project and install its Python dependencies:

git clone https://github.com/tiianhk/MaxMSP-MCP-Server.git
cd MaxMSP-MCP-Server
uv venv
uv pip install -r requirements.txt

Configure your MCP client to launch the checked-out server:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "MaxMSPMCP": {
      "command": "mcp",
      "args": ["run", "<path-to-MaxMSP-MCP-Server/server.py>"]
    }
  }
}

Open a copy of the patch in Max, install the MaxMSP_Agent dependencies as documented upstream, start the bridge inside Max, and then connect Claude to the MCP server.

Use Cases

  • Ask Claude to explain the objects, connections, and signal flow in an approved Max patch.
  • Generate a simple synthesizer, effect, controller, or Jitter patch structure from natural-language instructions.
  • Debug a patch by inspecting selected objects and their attributes.
  • Add comments, messages, number boxes, or patch objects while iterating on a teaching sketch.
  • Prototype Max/MSP ideas with Claude while keeping a human in control of listening, testing, and saving.
  • Use object documentation context to choose valid Max objects and arguments.

Safety and Privacy

MaxMSP MCP Server is write-capable creative tooling. Run it on copies or versioned patches first, especially for performance rigs, installations, class materials, or paid client work. Claude can request object creation, deletion, connection changes, attribute updates, and message/bang dispatches that may produce sound, visuals, CPU spikes, feedback, or patch instability.

The bridge runs through a local Socket.IO server inside Max and can carry patch structure plus edit commands. Keep it on a trusted local machine, avoid exposing it to networks you do not control, and stop the bridge when you are done. Review Python and npm dependencies before installing them, and inspect any MCP client config generated by the installer before committing or sharing files.

Patch object names, comments, arguments, selected objects, subpatch structure, and documentation-assisted prompts can reveal creative or commercial project details. Avoid sending unreleased compositions, show-control logic, proprietary patches, or private notes to a model session unless that use is approved.

Duplicate Check

No MaxMSP MCP Server, Max/MSP MCP, Jitter MCP, or tiianhk/MaxMSP-MCP-Server entry was found in content/mcp, content/agents, content/guides, or content/skills. This entry is scoped to the third-party source-install Max/MSP MCP server and does not duplicate general creative-coding or audio-production resources.

#maxmsp#music#creative-coding#audio#patching

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