Abstract: A system for storage and retrieval of information including address messages and data messages on a multi-track magnetic tape. The data messages are preferably present in the form of audio information. The address messages are derived from a series of location derivation codes which are generated through pulse counts from the spool of a tape transport to verify the location of a message on the tape. These location derivation codes are processed in a remote terminal to form an index thereof and are utilized in retrieving the address messages and the data messages associated therewith from the tape by searching for and selecting the address message which corresponds to the location of the associated data message on the tape. The tape is generally advanced at high speed movement in the searching operation, and the speed thereof is reduced during recording and retrieval operation.