Mixing process?

[Fernando Sampaio]

Hi all, I was mixing my first ever track with a Hardware mixer (Allen Heath GS3 MIDI automated) and would like to know wich would be the best method of getting things going...I have a DSP effets soundcard (EMU APS) and don`t know if I should apply fx and EQ to the tracks with the EMu before I mixdown using the GS3 and it`s EQ or just go flat until I get the GS3 EQ done and then, somehow get the tracks going into the emu for final EQ...how do I do that, sorry but I`m still learning how to get the best out of the GS3, I don`t really get these return sends, and inserts...

Cheers

Eminenzzz