# AI Routers
One account gets you AI models from every big company: Claude, Gemini, GPT and
more. Add some credit, then switch models whenever you like. You pay only for
what you use. Not sure which? Use OpenRouter.
## What You Need
- [Ableton Live 12.3+](https://www.ableton.com/live/) with
[Max for Live](https://www.ableton.com/live/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](/features/tools#ppal-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.
## 1. Install the Max for Live Device
Download
[Producer_Pal.amxd](https://github.com/adamjmurray/producer-pal/releases/latest/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](/installation#finish-the-installation).
## 2. Get an API Key
An API key is a password-like code that lets Producer Pal use your account. Pick
one router:
### OpenRouter
An AI router with hundreds of models from every big AI company.
1. [Create an OpenRouter account](https://openrouter.ai) and
[add credits](https://openrouter.ai/settings/credits).
2. [Get an OpenRouter API key](https://openrouter.ai/settings/keys)
3. Settings to use in step 3:
- Provider: **OpenRouter**
- Model: e.g., `anthropic/claude-sonnet-5.5`, `google/gemini-3.8-flash`
### Vercel AI Gateway
Vercel's AI router: hundreds of models from every big AI company, at each
company's own prices.
1. [Create a Vercel account](https://vercel.com/signup).
2. [Add a payment method](https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dadd-credit-card).
The gateway won't answer any request until a card is on file.
3. Open
[Create API Key](https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai-gateway%2Fapi-keys%3FshowCreateKeyModal%3Dtrue&title=AI+Gateway+API+Keys),
enter a name, and click **Create API Key**. Copy the key right away: Vercel
won't show it again.
4. Settings to use in step 3:
- Provider: **Vercel AI Gateway**
- Model: e.g., `anthropic/claude-sonnet-5.5`, `google/gemini-3.8-flash`
## 3. Connect
1. In the device, click "Open Chat UI". The chat opens in your browser, and so
do its settings the first time.
2. Fill in the settings listed above. For an online AI, paste your API key too.
Then click "Save".
3. Click "Quick Connect". It says "Connect to Ableton." for you:
::: tip Keep an eye on cost
Online AI charges for what you use. Long chats with the smartest models cost the
most, so check your balance on the service's website now and then.
:::
Your API key is stored encrypted in your browser. If you share this computer,
delete the key from settings when you're done.
## 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](#troubleshooting) below.
## Troubleshooting
If it doesn't work, see the [Troubleshooting Guide](/support/troubleshooting).