As far as I know the crossfaders are identical, it's the same part. The tension is set by the spring pushing against one of the bars. It's probably just conicidence that the two 57s you've tried have more resistance than the two 56s.

Doubt it. Why don't you try it first, before giving a theory. We all know it is "suppost" to be the same parts.

They are using the same parts, nobs is right on that. :-)

Chill out mate, I'm only pretty sure that the part is the same, I can't see a reason why Rane would make two almost identical faders. I know that the faders on my 57 feel identical to the faders on the 56 I have used. They are also the same size so it makes sense to me that they are actually the same ones out of the same box of parts at the Rane factory. However I don't know that for certain hence "as far as I know" and "probably". Nik obviously thinks the same as me he owns both mixers.

The tension on the faders is individually adjusted at the Rane factory they will all be slightly different, for example on my 57 the right line fader has less resistance than the left fader. I know these faders are identical and also the same as the crossfader.

nobs and nik39 are correct. They are exactly the same parts calibrated in the same way with the same tools at the factory. The microprocessor software is also identical as far as reading their physical position goes. But, like all hand assembled and calibrated things they can vary ever so slightly in reality as far as feel goes. Thus, the spring and lubricated rods that be (independently) adjusted to your liking.

Lies!! Rane cleverly altered the faders for the 57 to baffle Wes_Wes.

Actually, I just got my 57, took off the copper resistance and do feel a big difference. Alot more resistance on the 57. Enough that Im about to go swap them out right now.