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README

Decent Sampler Drums MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol server for generating Decent Sampler drum kit configurations.

This TypeScript-based MCP server provides specialized tools and prompts for creating DecentSampler drum kit presets, including WAV file analysis and XML generation.

Demo Video

Warning: Creating complex presets may end up exceeding Claude Desktop's maximum message length. We are still working on streamlining this tool to work around this limitation. If you are creating simple presets without a lot of mics or other variations, the xml file should be small enough for Claude to write to a file.

Features

Documentation

How do I use these tools? - Step-by-step workflows with real examples
Tools Documentation - Detailed information about each available tool
Input Schemas - TypeScript interfaces and parameter descriptions

Installation

Prerequisites

Node.js (v14 or higher)
npm (usually comes with Node.js)
Claude Desktop app (for use with Claude)

Setup

Install dependencies:

npm install

Build the server:

npm run build

Add to your Claude Desktop config:

Windows: %APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json MacOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "decent-sampler-drums": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@dandeliongold/mcp-decent-sampler-drums"
      ],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

Development

For development with auto-rebuild:

npm run watch

For debugging, use the MCP Inspector:

npm run inspector

Usage Guidelines

When using this MCP server to generate simple presets, you should always reference the simple_preset_guidelines prompt.

For more complex presets (including sections such as buses, effects, etc.), reference the advanced_preset_guidelines prompt. Note that creating complex presets with a large number of samples can still be unstable and may exceed Claude Desktop's maximum message length.

Both prompts will ask you to provide a samplesDirectory argument - this should be the absolute path to your drum samples folder (e.g., "C:/Users/username/Documents/DrumSamples"). The prompt will then automatically use this directory in all examples and configurations, making it easier to follow along with the correct paths for your system.

About Decent Sampler

Decent Sampler is a FREE sampling plugin that allows you to play samples in the Decent Sampler format.

Useful Links

Sample Sources

The goal of this MCP server is to make it easier to set up your own presets, whether you're playing your kitchen utensils into your phone, or recording a full kit in a studio. To create your own drum kits, you'll also need samples.

If you do not already have samples ready to go, here are some resources to get started:

Free and Low-Cost Sample Resources

99sounds.org
- Drum Samples Collection - Various drum kits and percussion samples
- Dub & Reggae Sounds - Specialized collection of reggae drum sounds
Archive.org: Sample Pack Collection - Community-contributed drum samples, sorted by popularity. Includes some cool stuff like vintage drum machines and CMI Fairlight samples.
Sample Pack Nation: Oberheim DMX/DX Drumkits - Classic drum machine sounds (Under 10 USD/EUR)

mcp-decent-sampler-drums