Abstract: A recording and reproducing system capable of recording at one speed and playback at another speed includes a capstan linear drive for a tape, and a headwheel drive means to drive heads in a transverse direction over the tape. Recording and/or playback is accomplished at any speed within a first given two-to-one speed range by operating the capstan linear drive at a corresponding speed, and by operating the headwheel at a speed which has a first given constant ratio with the linear speed. Recording and/or playback is accomplished over a second different adjacent two-to-one speed range by operating with the capstan linear drive at a corresponding proportional speed, with the headwheel at a speed which has a second different constant ratio with the linear speed, and with the rotating headwheel physically tilted by a given small angle relative to the transverse direction.