UR44 - How to disable direct monitoring in system

OS X Yosemite 10.10.5
Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver v.1.9.10

Why is it that direct monitoring is on at all times and that there is no OS/system prefs way to turn it off?

I chose the UR44 so I could use it to do live quadrophonic performances, however it is paramount that I am able to choose what input is on or off when I choose. I don’t want to unplug my microphones and instruments whenever I don’t use an input.

I tried reading the manual, but all references are to use Cubase and other DAW, whereas that should also be something available from the system prefs window.

Is there something that I am missing? Guidance would be appreciated, as right now the direct monitoring is causing me much more trouble than it’s worth.

Excellent, thanks!