Abstract: A plurality of parallel push rods is vertically movably supported between an inactive position to which each push rod is normally biased and an active position in which it engages a drive mechanism of the tape recorder. Each of the rods is provided with a notched portion. A latch bar having a plurality of projections arranged along one edge thereof is pivotally supported at one end and has its opposite end biased toward the push rods to permit its projections to engage each of the notched portions of the rods. The notched portion of the rods has a first notch with which the associated projection of the latch bar normally engages when the push rods are in the inactive position and a second notch with which that projection engages to lock the push rod in the active position. At least one of the push rods is provided with a protrusion in the direction toward the latch bar to cause it to rotate about its pivot to unlock another push rod from the active position.