Help with DIY passive balanced line level attenuator pads.

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Hi everyone,

I'm a sound guy and todays line level DJ mixers are too hot for the line level inputs of my stage mixer that has no pads, so I wanted to create some balanced in-line pad adapters with a few TRS connectors that plug in at my mixers inputs.

This seemed simple enough, and I found this great article Uneeda Audio - Build your own attenuator pads, but I have some questions.

First, I was going to make this easy for myself and use his example and make them 20db pads, but I wonder if the U pad is the best for me to use out of all the ones he has listed? I don't know the pros and cons of each. Initially, the U makes most sense as I'm trying to stuff as little components in these adapters as I can. From what I can tell all this means is I have to designate the ends as either the input or output and be sure I don't reverse it, where as the other ones I could use in reverse.

Second, he recommends to use 1% tolerance resistors. For the 20db pad values on digi-key, this brings my in stock selection to Metal Film, Thick Film and Wire Wound. Which of these am I supposed to use or is best?

Also, what wattage rating is acceptable for line level?

Thanks for any help guys.
 
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