Here are my two recent builds: the top is a gssl. The gain reduction meter is external so I can put it next to my console meters and use the large Orion "Catwisker" (it has a very stylized pointer and great ballistics).
The bottom is 2 channels of Altec 9475 and 2 channels of Spectra Sonics 101, used for mic pres as well as makeup gain for passive eq's. Both have 20db input pads. The Altec outputs goes to a bridged-T attenuator (20db in 1db steps). The Spectra uses HS-56's for input, and go direct/unbalanced out. The gain switch adjusts gain in 3db steps from 35db to 50db. I had to clamp one of the HS-56's down inside because somebody had hacked off the mounting posts.
The bottom is 2 channels of Altec 9475 and 2 channels of Spectra Sonics 101, used for mic pres as well as makeup gain for passive eq's. Both have 20db input pads. The Altec outputs goes to a bridged-T attenuator (20db in 1db steps). The Spectra uses HS-56's for input, and go direct/unbalanced out. The gain switch adjusts gain in 3db steps from 35db to 50db. I had to clamp one of the HS-56's down inside because somebody had hacked off the mounting posts.