Hi Peeps,
I'm still relatively new here and my opinion probably doesn't stand for much, but I thought I would express it anyway
I have two hard disk recorders and, yes, the tracks have to be armed, and show as red lights, just to monitor.
However, just because that is the case doesn't mean that DAW software has to be the same.
I have also used SONAR and Studio One and, from memory, you set a track for monitoring only with a separate button and the button to arm a track for record does just that.
So, that means I am with both talustalus and cubic13 on this one.
Would be great if we had the option, though I guess that having yet more options would make REAPER even more difficult for new users to pick up.
cheers
andy