ChatGPT App

OpenAI's ChatGPT desktop app is an easy way to use Producer Pal with an OpenAI account.

Use Codex mode, not ChatGPT

Producer Pal only works in the app's Codex mode. MCP servers are configured on the Codex side, and the tools aren't reachable from ChatGPT (Chat or Work). Switch with the mode dropdown at the top of the sidebar:

Formerly the Codex app

In July 2026, OpenAI merged the Codex app into the ChatGPT desktop app, which now has ChatGPT (Chat and Work) and Codex together in one app. If you had the Codex app installed, it updated into this app and kept your projects and settings.

The older ChatGPT desktop app is now called "ChatGPT Classic". Setup there is similar, but it's no longer officially supported — the new app is recommended.

Requirements

Download Max for Live DeviceProducer_Pal.amxd — for Ableton Live

• Ableton Live 12.3+ with Max for Live. Live 12.4 or later is recommended. On Live 12.3 these don't work:

  • writing clip automation (reading and clearing it still work)
  • loading a sample into Simpler
  • the Library tool (searching your library and listing plug-ins)
  • finding a preset by name outside a device's own presets (packs' drum kits, Sounds racks, custom folders)
  • opening a plug-in's editor window

  Use the version of Max bundled with Live, or make sure your standalone Max is up to date.

• Node.js 22+ (required by Codex; Producer Pal itself only needs 20+)

• ChatGPT desktop app (requires an OpenAI account) — use the main download button. The same page also offers ChatGPT Classic, which is the older app, not this one.

• A paid ChatGPT plan is recommended

Installation Steps

No need to install the Producer Pal device yourself: in the last step, the AI sets up Live for you.

Or install the device yourself

Download Producer_Pal.amxd, the Producer Pal Max for Live device.

Open User Library (under Places) in Live's browser, go to Presets → MIDI Effects → Max MIDI Effect, and drag Producer_Pal.amxd into that folder:

Drag it from the Max MIDI Effect folder onto a MIDI track:

It should display "Producer Pal Running" or something isn't working.

Then finish the installation: click Finish installation… on the device (or Open Chat UI, then Settings → Installation), and click Install there to add the remote script (clip automation, undo, plug-ins).

Restart Live, then choose Producer Pal as a Control Surface in Settings → Tempo & MIDI, with Input and Output left as None.

More in Finish the Installation.

1. Add Producer Pal to ChatGPT

In the ChatGPT app, go to Settings → Plugins → MCPs and click "+ Add server":

Option A: With npx (recommended). Allows flexible startup order and auto-reconnection:

Set Type to STDIO and fill in:

• Name: Producer Pal
• Command to launch: npx
• Arguments: -y and producer-pal@latest as separate entries (click "+ Add argument" for each one)

Option B: Direct HTTP. Requires the device running in Live first (install it yourself, see above), no auto-reconnection:

Set Type to Streamable HTTP and fill in:

• Name: Producer Pal
• URL: http://localhost:3350/mcp

Save the server, then select Restart so ChatGPT picks it up.

Shared with Codex CLI

The desktop app, Codex CLI, and the Codex IDE extension share the same MCP configuration (~/.codex/config.toml), so adding Producer Pal in one place makes it available in the others.

2. Start a Conversation

Check that the mode dropdown at the top of the sidebar says Codex.

Codex works in a project, chosen with Choose project above the composer. An empty folder is recommended for Producer Pal sessions (shown as Producer Pal in the screenshot). Feel free to put reference documents in it, such as common workflow instructions or details of your preferred musical style and production techniques.

With Live open, start a conversation with "connect to ableton":

The first time, the AI sets up Live for you:

1. It installs the Producer Pal remote script.

2. Restart Live, then choose Producer Pal as a Control Surface in Settings → Tempo & MIDI, with Input and Output left as None.

3. Tell the AI when you're done. It installs the Producer Pal device and adds it to your Live Set (it asks first).

3. Verify Connection

You should see a successful connection to Ableton Live:

You can also type /mcp in the composer to see the connected MCP servers.

Check It Works

Once connected, the AI confirms it can see your Live Set. Try a first request that doesn't change anything:

What tracks are in my Live Set?

It should list your tracks. If it can't connect or gets something wrong, see Troubleshooting below.

Troubleshooting

If it doesn't work, see the Troubleshooting Guide.