Carla MCP Server

A comprehensive Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for complete control over the Carla audio plugin host. This server enables natural language control of professional audio production workflows through Large Language Models.

🎯 Project Overview

The Carla MCP Server provides 45 tools across 7 functional categories for complete audio production control. Built with Python 3.12+, it offers a production-ready interface between AI assistants and professional audio software.

Key Features:

• 🤖 AI-Native: Designed for natural language control through LLMs
• 🎛️ Complete Control: 45 tools covering every aspect of audio production
• ⚡ Real-Time: Low-latency monitoring and analysis capabilities
• 🔧 Professional: Production-ready with comprehensive error handling and type safety
• 📈 Scalable: Modular architecture supporting complex workflows

🌟 What You Can Do

Ask an AI assistant to help with professional audio tasks:

• "Load my mixing project and set up a drum bus with compression"
• "Create a filter sweep effect on the lead synth, sync it to tempo"
• "Analyze my mix and suggest improvements for better frequency balance"
• "Set up parallel compression for vocals with different verse/chorus settings"
• "Prepare this session for live performance with low latency"

🎛️ Complete Feature Set

🗂️ Session Management (8 tools)

• Load/save projects with auto-connection
• Create A/B snapshots for comparison
• Hot-swap between sessions with crossfading
• Export/import multiple formats
• Session cleanup and optimization

🔌 Plugin Control (8 tools)

• Load VST2/3, LV2, LADSPA, DSSI, AU, SF2/SFZ plugins
• Scan directories for available plugins
• Clone and replace plugins with parameter mapping
• Batch processing with plugin chains
• Real-time plugin state control

🔗 Audio Routing (7 tools)

• Complex audio/MIDI routing matrix
• Bus creation and management with grouping
• Sidechain configuration for compression
• Real-time routing matrix inspection

🎚️ Parameter Automation (8 tools)

• Advanced automation with multiple curve types
• MIDI CC mapping with custom ranges
• Macro controls for multiple parameters
• Direct parameter get/set operations
• Real-time parameter control and monitoring

📊 Real-Time Analysis (5 tools)

• Spectrum analysis with customizable FFT
• Audio level metering (Peak, RMS, LUFS)
• Latency measurement and optimization
• Feedback loop detection and prevention
• Parameter capture over time

🔊 JACK Integration (6 tools)

• JACK port management and connections
• System audio routing
• Port monitoring and status
• Auto-connection for plugins
• Connection stability verification

🖥️ Hardware Control (3 tools)

• Audio interface configuration
• Device discovery and management
• Control surface mapping
• Monitor calibration support

🎓 MixAssist Integration

• Direct access to the MixAssist research dataset
• Professional audio engineering conversations database
• Real-world mixing advice and techniques from experts
• Contextual mixing guidance and troubleshooting resources

🚀 Installation

Prerequisites

1. Carla Audio Plugin Host

   # Ubuntu/Debian
   sudo apt install carla carla-dev
   
   # Or build from source for latest features
   git clone https://github.com/falkTX/Carla.git
   cd Carla
   make
   sudo make install
   

2. Python Environment

   # Requires Python 3.12+
   python3 --version  # Should be 3.12 or higher
   

3. Audio System

   # JACK Audio Connection Kit (recommended)
   sudo apt install jackd2 jack-tools
   
   # For Windows VST support on Linux
   sudo apt install wine wine32 wine64
   

Setup

1. Clone and Install

   git clone https://github.com/your-org/carla-mcp-server.git
   cd carla-mcp-server
   
   # Install dependencies
   pip install -r require
   

... View full README on GitHub