whats the difference between an attenuator and a recording level control on a recording tape deck?

Question

specifically I have an old Sony WM-D6C tape that has controls for both - but I always thought they were the same thing!

Answer 1

They are basically the same thing.

The recording level is a variable attenuator.

When it is called an attenuator it attenuates by a fixed figure.
On that machine it is a 20dB attenuator, that is, it reduces the input voltage from the microphone to one tenth.

That's a fine machine by the way. They are still very highly regarded.