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

Hi! 
I am controlling my virus b from my xl-7. I am inserting program change messages at the beginning of tracks inn a pattern. It works, but the problem is that the virus takes a short moment to change patches, and misses the first note of the pattern (note that when the pattern loops, the correct patches are all loaded and no probem occurs). The result is that each time I change pattern it sounds DREADFUL as lots of notes are missing (or sometimes sound really weird). 

Any suggestions for how I can work around this using some tricks on the xl-7?

My workflow is a bit like this:

I dedicate some patterns to holding a certain type of sound, for example, I have patterns filled with bassline tracks, each track containing a program change, the midi notes and some controller movements to produce the bassline. Then I have another pattern filled with pad sounds, etc). Another pattern filled with swooshy noises. I dont play these patterns, they are just used as source material for xmix and for composing 'proper' patterns.

I was intending to create songs from my patterns (maybe record some mute changes and tweaks, etc), and for the final result, have songs that play out one after another with little user interaction. But now I am faced with major issues!!!

Any attempts to pre-load 16 patches prior to a song, and to hold them in the virus memory during the song fail due to the way Im composing patterns with xmix.. each pattern is ending up with different patches on different tracks.

Help!!!