audioenhancer:
I figured it out! The NCH instructions are wrong (or at the very least, misleading). Set up for recording by clicking on the red button or use F5. The "record control" pop up box will appear. Click on the "advanced record settings" Next, select both "auto trim recording" and "voice activated recording". Set the -db threshold wherever you need it to actually begin recording. I used -40 db. Next, click on the red "record" button in the recording control. It won't start recording until there is actually audio present at a db level above your setting. It stops below that level and resumes above it. WONDERFUL!
I will use this feature to record a music program off of FM radio in my absence. I have the tuner set up on a timer that turns the tuner on prior to the program starting and shuts it back off after the end of the program. The Wavepad program just pauses at the end and awaits the "stop" block mouse click or the "esc" key press.
Good luck!