Cool Edit is kinda "out dated" now Noddy, it works but with the newer software out here there's a lot of new features and better stock plugins. I used to swear by Cool Edit and Audition until I used Cubase SX. IMO, Cubase SX3 is better than Pro Tools but that's just preference.
I would definitely check into Adobe Audition rather than cool edit (Adobe bought Cool Edit from Syntrillium a few years ago and basically changed the name), it has a lot of new features including ASIO and VST support.
I wouldn't reccomend using Fruity Loops to record anything other than beats. It's not a quality thing, that falls back on your gear and skill. After starting out with Cool Edit Pro Version 1 it's been easy for me to use other software like Pro Tools, Cubase, Audition etc... If you know how to use one pretty well, the learning curve isn't a MAJOR thing. It's not real practical to use FL, especially once you start collabing with people. But it works for D-Ease so it's really what works for you... I'd say get your hands on a few demo's and try em out.
Whenever D-Ease sends you that mic, let me know I'll give you this ART Tube MP Preamp... It's not great, but it works. It was my first Preamp years ago. I think I have a SB Audigy 2(nx?) USB soundcard somewhere around here too it's definitely not an interface but I think it's 24bit / 48 I used it for gaming a while back it should be better than an onboard 16bit soundcard for recording. If I can find it I'll throw that in too. I just look at it as helping someone come up (plus if I tried to sell it anywhere I'd probably would get next to nothing...lol).
