Abstract: A cassette loading mechanism operable with either one of first and second cassettes each accommodating therein a reeled magnetic recording tape. The first cassette is of a type having a uniform thickness and a head access window and at least one roller access window defined at a front thereof and also has a normally closed slide shutter for selectively opening and closing both of the head and roller access windows. The second cassette has a head access window and at least one roller access window defined at a bulged region at a front thereof and has therefore maximum and minimum thicknesses. The cassette loading mechanism has spaced apart holders for holding either one of the first and second cassettes, a detecting lever assembly movable in a plane parallel to a cassette inserting plane between first and second positions and also for movement in a direction generally diverging from the cassette inserting plane.

Abstract: A tape cassette is provided which is suitable for digital recording and playback which require high reliability, is interchangeable in terms of dimensions and shape with conventional compact cassettes, and is provided with a shutter member which selectively opens and closes insertion windows for the magnetic head and pinch rollers and is normally urged in the closing direction, to thereby prevent dust, etc. from entering. Moreover, since the shutter member is arranged to slide in the longitudinal direction, there is no increase in the volume of the tape cassette, even during opening or closing of the shutter member.

Abstract: A level indicating device for indicating input signal level purely electrically which includes a plurality of voltage comparators having threshold values set in order in terms of level, and a fluorescent indicator tube incorporating therein a plurality of anode electrodes aligned in a row. The outputs of the voltage comparators are connected to respective anode electrodes, so that when a signal is applied to the voltage comparators, the level of the signal is indicated by the number of the anode electrodes illuminated.