Abstract: A tape recorder for recording and/or reproducing information signals by relative sliding contact between a rotary magnetic head provided on the rotary head unit and a magnetic tape having information signals recorded on it.The tape recorder includes a rotary head unit having a rotary drum and a stationary drum coaxially mounted as and rotatably supporting the rotary drum. The rotary drum has a head mounted on it and is run in rotation for forcing the head into sliding contact with the tape-shaped recording medium run in one or the other direction. The tape recorder also includes a pair of supporting members rotatably supported by the rotary head unit, a pair of capstans rotatably supported by the rotary head unit, and a pair of pinch rolls arranged facing the capstans. The supporting members are rotated responsive to the running direction of the tape-shaped recording medium for selectively moving one of the capstans towards one of the pinch rolls.

Abstract: In a tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a head drum and a plurality of rotary elements including at least rotary heads associated with the head drum for recording and/or reproducing information signals on a magnetic tape wrapped around the head drum, a capstan for transporting the magnetic tape at a constant speed, and supply and take-up reel bases for engaging a pair of reels around which the magnetic tape is wound in a tape cassette and for driving the respective reels; a single motor is directly coupled to one of the rotary elements and drives the other rotary elements through a non-slip mechanical transmission for synchronously rotating at least the rotary heads, the capstan and the supply and take-up reel bases.