Audio recording external effects and harware [CONFUSED]

[N2Astral]

So when I hit the record button on a track with the 'ableton external instrument' it records the midi data. I prefer this, but what if I want to record the audio?

I found a work around, 'freeze track' after the midi data is in the grid. The downsid here is that my external instrument is no longer available because the track is frozen.

Ultimately, I guess I am trying to figure out how people are working with external hardware, specifically in terms of audio recording, and keeping the device in an active state.

[NPC]

i usually create a blank audio track, audio from the external instrument, monitor set to OFF, armed. This way you record audio onto this track, while keeping the ext inst track fully "functional".
hope it helps
cheers