Thanks for all the responses! I found a work around, just in case anyone runs into same project.
1. Instead of using "external MIDI instrument" track, create a new instrument track
2. Select the "external instrument plugin", select Tempest
3. Turn on low latency mode
4. Turn down channel in logic and monitor on your interface (I'm using Apollo Console)
This worked like a charm and allowed me to play and record pads with no latency. I've always used "external MIDI track" option, but whatever, this works fine.