Simple Instrument Track vs First Synth Audio Output

[brandon]

Is there a difference between the two options when loading  a soft synth if I am only going to assign one midi track to the synth? I have used both options and obviously the first synth audio is the quickest whereby a simile instrument track would allow other midi tracks to 'tap' in to it. I just wondered if there was more to it than that.

[John Vere]

I have always used the first synth option. That way I have a track for the VST and other tracks for the midi that is assigned to the synth. Example I might break a piano into 3 tracks for editing and keeping parts organized. drums I often have 3 or even 5 tracks. That way I can assign parts to different VST's.  I will use a track folder if I need to tidy up. There's really no big difference, it's all a matter of how you want things laid out on the track view. I like to have the VST track on top of all the corisponding Midi tracks and I colour code them the same too.