Holy Moly Big Willis:
Beeg question you ask.
I'll just try and give you a short answer.
Variations! Wherever there is a person recording, you will find variations to a normal IN to OUT to somewhere.
But, many folks run their mic cable, a good mic of course, to a mic preamp, a good mic preamp of course. From the mic preamp, you CAN run into a compressor and from the compressor into a recording track. [I use a studio in a box so my response may reflect that type of unit as opposed to a PC system.
REVERB? A good addition to vocals and "some" instruments, for a special effect. Again, we run into "ear" variables--the individual hears and enjoys a certain reverb effect--someone else listens and says, "that's sick.." Well, you do what you like to hear and enjoy. If it's for big money, that's another program.
Reverb can be added to any track whenever you want.
When tracks are recorded, the fun part starts and that's mixing down into a stereo two track to burn into a CD.
Not enough space to go into that. EQ, dynamics, more reverb, panning, etc., all comes into play when you mix.
So, you will have to do some recording, some inputs, some changing of plugs and cables, and then mix and then swear a bit and have a beer, and maybe you'll come up with a CD that you enjoy.
That's the fun of recording. Each time you turn on your system, YOU WILL LEARN SOMETHING. And, reading the talent on this site will certainly enhance your efforts.
Happy Memorial Day
Green Hornet