Abstract: Magnetic tape transport using DC current drive variable speed motors directly coupled to take-up and supply reels between which a tape is moved under tension. A crystal controlled PLL is referenced to a tape reference signal during steady speed operation and to a tape drive tachometer signal during start, stop and speed change cycles. The PLL controls the take-up motor drive amplifier which has a current drive output for developing motor torque. A second tension servo loop controls the supply reel motor drive amplifier which also supplies a current drive amplifier to develop motor torque. The tension servo loop has a major feedback signal component C2 which sums the motor currents as representative of the sum of the torques in the motors and the tension resulting in the tape. Additional tension components representing a steady bias C1, a take-up follower C3 and rapid deceleration signal C4 are also employed.