Abstract: The tape speed control apparatus according to the present invention is provided with drum period detecting means which detects the speed of the rotary drum by detecting pulses (SWP) for switching the heads of the rotary drum, speed setting means for generating speed data for the rotary drum, the speed data being set from outside, and comparator means for comparing the speed of the rotary drum as set by the speed setting means with the speed of the rotary drum as detected by the drum period detecting means, data on the difference between the set speed and the speed of the rotary drum being supplied to a reel servo, so that the travel speed of the magnetic tape is controlled and kept constant thereby.