Ah mate, totally get where you’re coming from. The 57 is a beaut, no doubt buttery smooth faders, that analog warmth you miss from the Vestax, all that jazz. I hear ya on the versatility front though it can be a bit of a beast to lug into smaller venues. Not just size, but the weight and footprint, especially if you’re working a tight booth.
Another thing to consider is that the 57 doesn’t really change the fact that you’re still relying on your laptop for Serato features if you’re already comfy doing loops, cue points, etc., on your keyboard, you won’t lose anything, but the 57 doesn’t magically make laptop control more intuitive; it’s more about tactile niceness. Also, some people mention the EQs are a bit smooth, which is great for mixing vinyl, but can be a little soft if you’re used to snappy, aggressive EQ cuts on the Vestax.
check out the forum <a href="
serato.com Rane or S9 replacement</a>
It covers a lot of discussion around mixer size, gig‑compatibility and switching hardware should tie in nicely with your debate about the 57 vs your existing setup.
Other than that, it’s pretty much just a solid upgrade. Space-wise, check booth layouts before committing some tiny bars/rooms might make you wish you’d gone 56 or even something more compact. But if you’re mostly gigging medium‑sized spots, it’s hard to go wrong.
Basically: buttery faders, fantastic feel, doesn’t fix laptop reliance, and watch the footprint. Other than that, pure joy.
