Cool Edit Pro

Cool Edit Pro (for Windows) is a multitrack audio editing and recording program from Syntrillium Software that supports all common audio formats of its time.  It handles long recordings and does much more than just edit.  The range of options you get with this software is incredible for a program of its age.  From basic editing to mixing, effects and analysis, there is something here for everyone.  Adobe acquired the program in 2003 and continued it as Adobe Audition, so Cool Edit Pro itself is no longer developed or sold.

Features:

• Supports many audio file formats, including PCM WAV, AIFF, MP3, mp3PRO and Windows Media Audio, as well as soundcard-specific formats
• Multitrack sessions with up to 128 stereo tracks and surround sound mixing
• Not just for editing, with Cool Edit Pro you can record and save tracks as well, even from media such as old tapes or records (with the proper hardware)
• More than 45 DSP effects, real-time effects and EQ on each track, and DirectX plug-in support
• Classic interface with a waveform editor, a multitrack view and a file organizer
• Loop-based music creation and extraction of audio from CDs
• Includes basic features as well as more advanced features such as mixing and processing music files, with 32-bit processing and multi-level undo

It handles many audio file formats and lets you record, edit and mix multitrack projects with dozens of effects.

The wide variety of audio file formats and the multitrack engine make it stand out among classic audio editors.  The layout is approachable for beginners but also offers the depth an audio pro needs.  The ability to record and save media from old tapes and records is useful for anyone looking to back up their memories, and noise reduction and frequency analysis tools help clean up such recordings.

This program is a 32-bit Windows application that also runs on 64-bit Windows.  It was sold with a trial version that had some restrictions compared to the full version.  Cool Edit Pro is no longer sold; its successor is Adobe Audition, which is available by subscription.