What are some of the most important and most common audio effects to use?

Answer 1

All of them! :)

In all seriousness though, I would pick EQ, Compression, and Reverb. With these three types, you can control and shape frequency, dynamics, and space. Put it another way, I can come up with a mix even if limited to only these three effects types, but would find it nearly impossible or at least really really challenging to mix without any one of them.

That being said, other effects types are important too, and great to have in your toolbox.

Answer 2

The essential tool needed to shape and refine tone is a versatile equalizer.

The tools needed to complete a mix in the modern recording environment are:

Eq, Compression, AutoTune or Melodyne, Reverb, Delay.

Happy Hunting!

Answer 3

Some of the most common and important audio effects to use effectively and efficiently in your music are:

1. EQ (equalizing) - EQing frequency ranges
2. Compression
3. Reverb
4. Delay
5. Distortion

This is by no means an exhaustive list, it is simply some of the most common and most important.