Depending on the mixer you have, the best method would be to use inserts for effects such as compressors and limiters.
With some creative patching and routing you could track the processed signal and the dry signal to separate tracks.
Color effects such as delay, reverb, chorus and etc... would be used via AUX sends.
Again depending on your setups routing capabilities you may be able to track wet and dry tracks.
A good understanding of your equipments capabilities as far as signal routing is must have knowledge.
Experimentation will be the final key.