External Instrument - Monitoring and Midi Issues

First, when I set up an external instrument sound comes through even though neither the record or input monitor buttons are selected.

If I set up an audio track with the synth inputs nothing comes through unless input monitor is selected.

Also, I am having issues setting up a synth that has no local off function. Duplicate and triplicate notes everywhere. Can someone advise me on setting this up?

Thanks for your help!