Voltage Divider Calculator

Calculate resistive attenuator pad values for audio signal level reduction. Design T-pad and L-pad attenuators.

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How It Works

Attenuator pads reduce signal level by a fixed amount. L-pad: simplest (2 resistors) but changes impedance seen by one side. T-pad: symmetrical (3 resistors), maintains impedance match on both sides — preferred for balanced 600Ω lines. For an L-pad: R1(series) = Z(K-1)/K, R2(shunt) = Z/(K-1), where K = 10^(dB/20). Use 1% metal film resistors for accuracy. Common studio pads: -10 dB (pro to consumer), -20 dB (speaker to line), -40 dB (speaker to mic input).