Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:35 pm
Hello Bernard,
In case you might not already realise this: there are two distinct organ definition file (ODF) formats (both of which are effectively different programming languages):
a) The 'full' ODF format, which is large and complex, but almost infinitely flexible. This is what nearly all commercial sample set producers use, since they can implement anything that they like. However, because it's so complex and would typically take quite a lot of time to master, we only officially provide support for creating/editing files in that format to major sample set producers.
b) The CODM ODF format, which is intentionally much simpler, easier, and quicker to learn and use, whilst having just enough flexibility for modelling the main features commonly found on most organs.
The Custom Organ Design Module (CODM) is a compiler which compiles CODM ODFs to 'full-format' ODFs. Its user guide and the CODM ODF format documentation can be found on the 'Design tools' menu in Hauptwerk, and explains the relationship between the two formats, as well as its capabilities (including its graphical user interface capabilities) and how to use it. I'd suggest starting by reading through that document, and examining and trying ("Design tools | Load custom organ") some of the example CODM ODFs that are installed with Hauptwerk. The various St. Anne's example CODM ODFs illustrate the stages involved in building up a fully-featured CODM ODF with graphical interface.
However, you can't use the CODM to modify/extend an existing 'full-format' ODF (e.g. an ODF from a commercial sample set) directly. You would instead need to create/recreate all of the desired existing functionality from scratch within a CODM ODF of your own. A CODM ODF can reference sample files from commercial sample sets (assuming their licences allow it), but it can't borrow/inherit functionality from an existing full-format ODF.
[Edit: P.S. I see Les and I replied at the same time; thanks, Les.]
Best regards, Martin.
Hauptwerk software designer/developer, Milan Digital Audio.