# Codex App

OpenAI's Codex desktop app is an easy way to use Producer Pal with an OpenAI
subscription.

::: warning macOS Only

The Codex app is currently available for macOS (Apple Silicon) only. Windows and
Linux support is coming. For other platforms, see [Codex CLI](./codex-cli) or
[ChatGPT web app](./chatgpt-web).

:::

## Requirements

- [Ableton Live 12.3+](https://www.ableton.com/live/) with
  [Max for Live](https://www.ableton.com/live/max-for-live/)
- [Node.js 22+](https://nodejs.org/en/download)
- [Codex app](https://chatgpt.com/codex/get-started) (requires OpenAI account
  with ChatGPT subscription plan)

## Installation Steps

### 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, and add it to a MIDI track in Ableton
Live:

<img src="/img/device-main-tab.png" alt="Producer Pal device running in Ableton Live" width="375"/>

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

### 2. Add Producer Pal to Codex

In the Codex app, go to Settings &rarr; MCP Servers and click "+ Add server":

<img src="/img/codex-app-mcp-server-settings.png" alt="Codex MCP Servers settings page" width="650"/><br>

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

Select the **STDIO** tab and fill in:

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

<img src="/img/codex-app-add-mcp-stdio.png" alt="Codex STDIO MCP configuration for Producer Pal" width="650"/><br>

**Option B: Direct HTTP** — Requires Ableton running first, no
auto-reconnection:

Select the **Streamable HTTP** tab and fill in:

- **Name:** `Producer Pal`
- **URL:** `http://localhost:3350/mcp`

<img src="/img/codex-app-add-mcp-http.png" alt="Codex Streamable HTTP MCP configuration for Producer Pal" width="650"/>

### 3. Start a Conversation

When starting a new chat, Codex asks you to pick a project folder. It's
recommended to use an empty folder for Producer Pal sessions (shown as
`producer-pal-workspace` in the screenshot). Feel free to put reference
documents in this folder, such as common workflow instructions or details of
your preferred musical style and production techniques.

Start a conversation with "connect to ableton":

<img src="/img/codex-app-conversation-start.png" alt="Starting a conversation in the Codex app" width="600"/>

### 4. Verify Connection

You should see a successful connection to Ableton Live:

<img src="/img/codex-app-connected.png" alt="Codex app successfully connected to Producer Pal" width="600"/>

## Troubleshooting

If it doesn't work, see the [Troubleshooting Guide](/support/troubleshooting).