Abstract: The audio signal reproduction apparatus and method according to the present invention reproduces a digital audio signal recorded on a recording medium by a predetermined number of samples, at a recording medium travel speed different from the travel speed during the recording. The pitch control of the reproduced digital audio signal is performed as follows. When the reproduction speed of the recording medium is lower than the travel speed during the recording, in response to the reproduction speed, pitch is automatically controlled to a fixed or variable pitch. Even if the reproduction is at a lowered speed, it is possible to recognize the contents of conversation or melody of a music source as well as to distinguish from noise, thus enhancing the reproduction sound clearness.