Reaper MCP Server

Overview

The Reaper MCP Server bridges the gap between a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and conversational AI by exposing Reaper project data to Claude Desktop via the Model Context Protocol. It solves a common pain point for audio engineers and producers: querying complex project structures without manually opening the Reaper interface. By turning a Reaper session into an interactive knowledge base, developers can quickly retrieve track configurations, routing chains, or plugin settings through natural language.

At its core, the server implements two lightweight tools. The first tool, , scans a user‑specified directory for all Reaper project files (). This gives the assistant an inventory of available projects and allows users to reference a specific file in subsequent queries. The second tool, , parses the selected file into a structured JSON representation. Internally it leverages Reaper’s XML‑like format to extract data such as track names, media items, FX chains, and routing information. The parsed JSON is then supplied to the AI model as part of its context, enabling precise answers like “Which track contains the reverb plugin?” or “What is the input level of track 3?”

For developers, this server offers a low‑overhead way to integrate domain knowledge into AI workflows. The tools can be invoked programmatically or through the Claude Desktop UI, allowing rapid prototyping of voice‑controlled DAW assistants. By automating project discovery and parsing, the server removes repetitive manual steps, letting engineers focus on creative tasks. It also opens doors to advanced use cases such as automated project auditing, batch‑processing of multiple sessions, or generating documentation for complex mixes.

Unique advantages include its simplicity and tight coupling to the Reaper ecosystem. Because it operates on the native format, there is no need for external converters or APIs. The server’s JSON output aligns well with Claude’s structured reasoning capabilities, enabling more accurate and context‑aware responses. Additionally, the tool set is intentionally minimal—only two commands—making it easy to extend or customize for specialized workflows without overwhelming the user.

In real‑world scenarios, a producer could ask, “Show me all tracks that use the Waves SSL G-Channel,” and receive a list with track numbers and plugin parameters. A mixing engineer could query, “What is the total number of items on track 5?” or “Which tracks are routed to the master bus?” The Reaper MCP Server thus transforms static project files into dynamic, AI‑ready resources, streamlining collaboration between human creativity and machine intelligence.