Elektron Musical Instruments

I've been having some problems using the machinedrum as an external 
effects unit/filter.  I'm using it in combination with a dj mixer to 
add a little spice to my sets (I know this isn't it's primary 
purpose), but I would like to use the filter especially.  I've used 
the input synth, but I don't like how you have to have a sequence 
playing and it still doesn't quite sound right, does anybody have any 
pointers on how to do this?  This section is really light in the 
manual.