Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic tape device which includes a first control member, a motor for moving the first control member between two operating positions, adjusting members movable by the first control member for moving the tape guide means between two operating positions in dependence upon the first control member, said two operating positions comprising a first operating position in which the tape can be stopped and rapidly wound forward or in reverse by the motors for driving the spool supporting means and in which the tape can be moved rectilinearly past the magnetic heads and capstan without contact therewith and a second operating position in which the tape can be moved rectilinearly past the magnetic heads and capstan without contact therewith and a second operating position in which the tape is guided by the guide means and lies against the magnetic heads for recording or reproducing and is engaged with the capstan, a second control member arranged to be moved by the motor which moves the fir