Music recording software

Can anyone recommend a software package for recording music via line in /mic? Looking for something relatively simple and easy to use, preferably free too!
Any suggestions would be most welcome.

 

The one I use for every input, is "MusicMatch". I'm still on V 7.5 I liked it the best! It can do, CD's & Line In. I can't remember the whole list!

 

Thanks Matt - I'll check it out. But also, I was looking for something with some studio applications - nothing too complex, as I'm relatively new to digital recording technology, but used to have a small analog studio - what I want is the same thing here on my computer.

 

cake walk.

 

I must say, Audacity has to be the best I've seen; in my opinion it's far better than most programs you can buy.

http://www.download.com/Audacity/3000-2170-10288566.html?tag=lst-0-1

 

Ebene - thanks very much for that - it looks just about perfect, exactly what I was after

 

Cool edit pro 2 is by far the best ive come across. its simple and powerful, and possibly the most effective ive seen.

its excellent for beginners

 

I'm kinda fond of Audacity myself. I'm a taper and I need something that shows a waveform while I'm tranferring a Mini disc into my computer. CD Wave is a pretty useful program and you can use it as a recorder as well. I use Audacity for tranferring and CD Wave to break it down into trax so I can burn to CD's.

 

Get the next copy of Computer Music when it is out, they provide a full pc based recording studio on their cover cd's. Includes all the effects and virtual instruments you might need.

And its not half bad.

Also have a look for n-Track Studio. Also very good.

 

I'm not familiar with audacity, but when it comes to any kind of recording and manipulation of sound files, I use Soundforge. I especially like it for transferring my vinyl to the computer... I can click on a button and all the hiss and pops disappear. There's literally thousands of plug-ins that you can get for more in depth editing, as well.

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/Products/ShowProduct.asp?PID=945

 

Thanks to everyone for the input - only trouble is, now I'm spoiled for choice!