Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

I finnally have my XL-7 and I couldn't be happier! Now on to the 
newbie questions.

I'm not a keyboardist so I've always run in fear from real time 
recording mode, but I am a computer programmer so I've always felt 
more at home with step and grid recording. How do I program in notes 
longer than a quarter note? (Other than real time with quantize).

Also, does the pattern mode have the capability of recording 
mute/enable track signals? I'm not trying to do this, but on a pattern 
I threw together some of the tracks would unmute themselves during 
playback. Did I inadvertantly record mute activity? Maybe my stupid 
ass was in song mode or something but I severly doubt it. I stay away 
from song mode like I stay away from real time recording...

Thanks in advance,
Beat Rebel