In addition to manually program pattern using mouse and keyboard you can also record one or multiple pattern. You can do so using an external MIDI device, like an e-drum, or use the virtual keyboard provided by Hydrogen.

In order to start recording, first activate the record button in the Main Toolbar and afterwards press the button located right next to it (like in a classical tape recorder).

Using the playback mode of the Song Editor you can choose between the following two scenarios. When in Pattern mode all inserted notes will be added to pattern currently selected in the Sidebar of the Song Editor. When, on the other hand, in Song mode the input notes will be added to the active pattern (the one the playhead is located in and is currently used for playback). If several patterns are selected in a single row, the input notes will only be added to the pattern at the bottom.

	Note
	The incoming notes will be added in a non-destructive way. This means when adding two notes at the same position, you will have two notes being played back at once (with double the volume of a single one).