Sound editing software is often either too complicated or way too basic to do much with. WavePad finds a nice balance between these in an easy to use audio editor.

WavePad is a fully featured professional audio and music editor that allows you to record and edit music, voice and other audio recordings. You can add a variety of effects such as echo, amplification and noise reduction. and it can edit a wide range of formats including WAV. MP3, VOX, GSM, WMA, Real Audio, AIF, FLAC and OGG. The great thing is, it's absolutely free although it does offer you the chance to upgrade to WavePad Master's Edition which has additional effects and features.

This free version can support sample rates from 6000 to 96000Hz, stereo or mono at 8, 16, 24 or 32 bits. There's also an integrated CD ripper to save your creations. You can also have fun with the voice synthesizer which can give your voice a robotic effect for those out there still into Kraftwerk. The overall interface is clearly laid out and easy to use. You can use tabs to flip from edit to edit and there's a handy magnification tool to make razor sharp edits of tricky mixes, fade-ins and fade-outs.

There are far more interesting effects to be had in the Master's Edition but as a mid-range audio editor that's easy to use, WavePad is an excellent choice.