Python: Generating random MIDI notes for Ableton Live 11

1. Install AbletonOSC.
2. Install Python for Windows. Type “Python” in Windows Terminal to open the latest Microsoft Store page for it.
3. Use the following script …

   from pythonosc import udp_client
   
   import argparse
   import random
   import time
   
   parser = argparse.ArgumentParser()
   parser.add_argument("--ip", default="127.0.0.1",
       help="The ip of the OSC server")
   parser.add_argument("--port", type=int, default=11000,
       help="The port the OSC server is listening on")
   args = parser.parse_args()
   
   client = udp_client.SimpleUDPClient(args.ip, args.port)
   
   notes = range(40, 90)
   times = range(0, 8)
   lengths = range(1, 8)
   
   for i in range(20):
       note = random.choice(notes)
       time = round(random.uniform(0, 3.9), 6)
       duration = round(random.uniform(0.001, 0.3), 6)
       # track_id, clip_id, pitch, start_time, duration, velocity, mute
       print("/live/clip/add_new_note", (0, 0, note, time, duration, 100, 0))
       client.send_message("/live/clip/add_new_note", (0, 0, note, time, duration, 100, 0))
   

4. You might have to install some things. For example “pip install mido –user“.
5. Manually create clip in the first track of Ableton.
6. Run the script from the command line, “python <script name>.py“.
7. You should now have random MIDI notes in the clip item.

Please not that the script is somewhat unrefined. It should ask what track and clip you want to send the MIDI to, as well as creating the clip for you, but that’s for a future update. Enjoy !

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