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Antares Auto-Tune Evo isn't just for T-Pain vocal effects.

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Effects can make (or break) a track. They can be the perfect sweetener, adding just the right amount of gloss or grit to bring your songs to life. They're a crucial ingredient in virtually any pop, rock or dance production - even classical music has some reverb thrown on, albeit of the natural variety.

As you might have guessed, though, they can't simply be applied willy-nilly - here are 11 tried and tested ways of using effects wisely.

1. Double your pleasure!

You can obtain a much thicker, more complex sounding reverb by chaining two reverbs in series. This is particularly effective when using two completely different reverbs, but you can always vary the parameters between two of the same model to obtain more interesting reflections. Simple reverbs can be made richer and more convincing using this technique, too. If you can't pile two chained 'verbs in your host's aux slots, try a plug-in chainer such as, er, Chainer from Xlutop.

2. Double doubled!

Just as combining two reverbs can add an extra layer of richness to your sound, so too can chaining multiple compressors. This can be a good way to achieve control over your signal's dynamics without bringing the unwanted artifacts of heavy compression. It's a great technique to try with lead vocals.

3. Know your space

It's critical that you apply your reverb with discretion. The more reverb you put on something, the further away it will sound. While it might be OK to slather a big drum track with it, you should think twice about applying as much (or any) to the lead vocal if you want it to have some presence in the mix. This does not apply to shoegazing, My Bloody Valentine-type bands, however.

4. Vocoding

Vocoders are, in actuality, complex, multiband envelope followers. A vocoder uses a modulation signal (like your voice) to shape a carrier signal (like your synth). Try using a vocoder to shape a choir sample for some Gregorian-style backing vocals!

5. Panorama

Auto-panning is an effect that came into use in the '60s. Though it was absurdly overdone for a while, it seems to have been all but forgotten in modern production. Try using an auto-panner to throw some complex rhythms subtly around the stereo soundstage.

6. We've got you surrounded!

Today's surround sound systems provide another exciting avenue for the creative mixologist. Many hosts support it and some plug-in effects are ideal for the job. Multi-tap echoes that bob around the listener's head; Phasers that sneak up from behind…

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