Can it be used a a normal mixer or does it have to be hooked up to a cpu at all times to play vinyl??? Not sure if I will always want to play mp3s sometimes I play only vinyl and that would be sweet.

Yup..it def. is. However, I don't know why you would by the 57SL for $1500 when you can by the version without SSL installed for about $750 MSRP.

The 57 is a better mixer than the 56 and has effects and upgradeable firmware, making it much more future proof.

For versatility sometimes I want my wax and othertimes I'd rather use my mp3s and sometimes both. Plus I also DJ with a band the original serato takes up too much space and has too many wires (pain in the ass). Coffins don't have enough room to hold everything and I need all the space I can get. Thanks

I play with a band too. When I am with them I take 1 TT, my 57, my MPC1000 and thats it. Nice and easy. 1 flight case and a bloxbox on my back.

Or you can just velcro the back of the SL1 and stick it on the back of the coffin when you are playing and put it in your backpack or something when you are not using if you can't get it in the coffin.

I don't think it can do effects and looping without the laptop, correct?

Effects yes, looping no.

even if you dont use ssl, the 57 can be used as a usb soundcard for any audio application. that's another advantage over the 56.