maybe i use the ER-1 in the way you would do...maybe
i tell u: i use a Yamaha RM1-X as master, and assign the first channel of the RM1-X to the first of the ER-1, etc....
so i can make the sounds as i want on the ER-1, but controlled by the RM1-X...
anyway, i prefer to play with machines only syncked by midiclock!!!! also because i've got other stuff like the Korg MS2000R, the EA-1, the RM1-X...
ciao-marco