loopback syncing without groups

I'd like to group some loopbacks together so that they remain in sync during a performance, but to only record in to one at a time, so that I can record some sounds in to the first loop, and then switch the next one in to record mode to add sections of sound which can then be muted on and off during a performance.

The problem with actual groups is that everything syncs, including the record function. I read a good tip to create a single screen control which maps the start/stop action to all the loop back instances you want to 'virtually' group, but it seems the problem with that is that you to need to go in to record mode to initially get a loopback in to action. So the grouped mapping is fine once they are up and playing (in record mode or not) but starting them all off at the same time, with just the first one in record mode, in order to keep them in time, remains the trick I can't work out how to master. The start stop button doesn't initially kick them all in to action together.

I could make a special button mapped to all loopback record events to get them started together, and then revert to my exisiting single record buttons to switch them all off and on individually, but to avoid recording in to subsequent loopbacks before I want to, I'd have to stay quiet and wait for my four bars (eg) to set the loop length, then go through and with all but my first loopback out of record mode before starting to record anything. Seems like a lot of work. Is there a better way?