Do I Really Need An Attenuator?

[Vinylcafe]

I am SLOWLY putting together all the pieces to properly adjust cassette decks.
It adds up, and there are many bits I need.
So far I've picked up a Tek 465 scope, and HP 400EL AC volt meter, and all the tapes.
I still need the M-300 gauge.
Many service manuals I see call for an attenuator.

They usually come after an AF signal generator before the signal goes into the DUT.

However, today's newer Chinese made Function Generators have a variable output.
The FeelTech FY6800 should be out soon, and that is the device that I am thinking of in the future.
So back to my original question ... if I get this device is an attenuator really necessary?

 

[Ray Gianelli]

Many signal generators have attenuators in them. The service manuals may specify generators that need attenuation because their output levels may be too high for the application.

I'm reluctant to work on any tape recorders because of all the specialized mechanical adjustment tools and test tapes needed.

 

[ConradH]

With a rotary switch and a pot, plus a few resistors, you can make a perfectly good attenuator. Probably easier than fixing a cassette deck.

 

[rcs16]

Your PC sound card with appropriate s/w can work as a sine wave gen.
I found that most of the problems with cassette decks are the belts,idlers, parts that are hard or impossible to find.