ERROR message: Can't find enough empty mono tracks

Hello all

I've recently started getting this error message while attempting playback of a song after I've recorded drum tracks. I basically can't play back the song unless I do one of the following

1. Disable all record and input monitoring on my drum tracks
2. Enable auto punch

The full error message is actually: Can't find enough empty mono tracks to activate Quick Punch-in for Core audio. Please mute regions on 3 or more mono tracks

What's weird about this message is: I'm not trying to activate quick punch-in, I'm merely trying to playback the song.

Even weirder is the only way I can play back the song is if I enable auto-punch

Does anyone know how to resolve this? Is there a setting that needs to be enabled or disabled?

Attaching 2 screenshots.

System details:

Logic Pro: 10.7.5

OS: Monteray 12.5.1