When I start a pattern using my Alesis SR-16, it is muted for a first 1/1.5 beats, and then the pattern kicks in, but only this only happens first time I play it after selecting it. Every time I play it after that, it works just fine. This only occurs when I am using the external device to drive the 404 though. When I just select a pattern and play it using only the 404, there's no problem. I thought it could a be a midi issue, and I tried switching cables, but it's the same deal. Anyone had this happen before?

it is a midi issue... i have that with my daw also; think simply... create an empty 1bar pattern (put a muted sample in that) and start your song with that, so there is enough time for the midi-ghost to get in sync...
hope you get it...

ah, that's the trick. adjusted my patterns and it works fine now. Thanks brother!