I've used CoolEditPro (now Adobe Auditon I think) and Cubase LE (shipped with my Lexicon Omega interface). As far as ease of use, CoolEdit is easier to use right off the bat. That said, I'm now using Cubase and have found alot more flexibility for the things I'm trying to accomplish. Other folks may have different opinions, but I like Cubase alot. I saw Cubase SE in a popular catalog for $99. I don't know the differences in SE and LE, but I'd imagine that one ships free with some hardware and the other you pay for outright. I hope this was the least bit helpful.