Let's stay with "Default Synth" slot only for now (more below)

If you put ST in the DEFAULT slot (only) then ALL instruments can be set (are set) in that one instantiation of ST.

Setting the "Forced MIDI Chan" to NONE means ALL BIAB channels will be sent to ST (expect MAYBE the MIDI thru channel - that depends on settings elsewhere in BIAB)

If you set the "Default Synth" slot to anything OTHER than "NONE" like MIDI channel X - then ONLY BIAB data on MIDI channel X will make it to ST. Think of "NONE forced" being like MIDI "OMNI" (at least with respect to BIAB SENDING data to the softsynth in that slot).

Make sense?

As to your question

"How to always ensure that the tracks "point" to the right sounds in ST?"

I'm not sure EXACTLY what you mean BUT

if you go to "Opt. -> Preferences - > Channels" you will get this menu to set channels for each BIAB part. Unless you change them they are ALWAYS set as seen in this pic.

- BIAB BASS part will always be on ch. 2 (even if you PUT a TRUMPET on the BASS part)

- BIAB PIANO will always be on channel 3 (even if you put DRUMS there)
etc.

Up to you to control your instruments beyond the defaults.

When you start putting individual synths in the OTHER slots of the VSTi/DXi Plugins pull down - it is SIMILAR to the Default Synth with respect to MIDI channels. Expect that ONLY ONE BIAB MIDI part/channel is sent to each individual SLOT in the picture, only the "Default Synth" slot gets all BIBA channels (unless you set it to only one of the 16 available) .

In those individual synth slots - you can (probably should) let the defaulted "Forced MIDI channel = NONE" - because BIAB KNOWS that the PIANO will be on ch 3, etc. for bass, drums, guitar, etc. and will send PIANO part data (even if it's drum set) to that pictured SLOT on that CHANNEL (3 in this case)

You can change this channel if you want but then you need to remember it and keep track of it.


Note BIAB was and is, at least with respect to MIDI, more General MIDI (GM) centric than a general DAW so if you were using a GM sound set in ST (like the "Omni Synth 2" add-on), or just using a GM external module like a Ketron SD 2, a Roland Sound Canvas, the GM bank of your external board (if you have one) life would get simpler for you for INITIAL song settings.


Larry

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Part - channels.jpg (25.08 KB, 97 downloads)
Pulldown (2).jpg (120.31 KB, 98 downloads)
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20