Vst's that generate audio don't function/immediately stop functioning

Operating System Info

Windows 10

Other OS

No response

OBS Studio Version

28.1.2

OBS Studio Version (Other)

No response

OBS Studio Log URL

https://obsproject.com/logs/ApbKnl48xD8ST2jb

OBS Studio Crash Log URL

No response

Expected Behavior

Vst that generates audio, ie. ReaStream, to play audio on unused/extra track

Current Behavior

If the track is unused (doesn't receive any audio by default,) the vst will not function, or will cut out after a very short delay

Steps to Reproduce

1. Set up a "send" source for the ReaStream VST, in a DAW or other program
2. Set up a "receive" source in OBS by inserting the ReaStream VST on an "Unused" audio channel
3. The receiving VST will not function on an unused audio channel, but will function as expected on an "Active" audio channel
   ...
   Not working on "Desktop Audio"
   
   Working on a voicemeeter output
   

Anything else we should know?

On a separate system running OBS v27, the VST would work on a "vacant" for a second or two before stopping, but functioned normally when placed on our "main" track

Start by reviewing the attached OBS log and reproducing the ReaStream setup on Windows 10 with an unused audio channel, comparing it with an active channel. Trace the VST audio-source handling involved in those two paths. Done means an audio-generating VST continues receiving and playing audio on an otherwise unused channel.