Don't really know about MMM but in Samplitude Studio - and I guess it would the same - you can choose a precount. Isn't there a metronome or a precount. Look at tempo, metronome og recording settings. Otherwise you just place the cursor where you wish to start your recording.
You may be experiencing latency - what are you using for your recording interface?
Make sure you set Music Maker to record with ASIO - preferably the free download from ASIO4ALL.com
You can also increase your buffers to reduce latency.
Justin