Abstract: The invention permits extraction of a magnetic tape from a conventional audio cassette for processing the tape externally of the cassette to reduce prior art tape-to-head alignment problems. A tape holder is first retracted and inserted in to a cassette well and is then extended adjacent an inside face of the tape. Prior to extracting the tape, tape guides are inserted into the well to prevent undesirable contact between extracted tape portions and the cassette body. The tape holder draws a length of extracted tape from the cassette so that the tape passes a fixed magnetic head as the tape holder attains a final position, or alternatively, as the tape holder approaches a final position, the head is moved to contact the extracted length of tape. In some embodiments, the tape is extracted from one of the two outer wells of the cassette, in which case the remaining outer well provides access for one capstan and pressure roller only.