For playback and editing, I use the Cool Edit as well as the Wavepad, but I use the Wavepad more for enhancing the audio, cutting out parts, making new files from what Ive cut out, playing backwards, remmoving the hiss, etc. The recorders we use are Sony, RCA, Zoom, etc, I really like my Zoom H4N, it picks up very clear and not alot of background noise