Abstract: A recording and/or playback machine (1) for tape-shaped record carriers (20) is equipped, for indicating continuous recording times, with a counter (45) having an indicating element (46) which travels along the entire length indicating scale (26) of a predetermined total length for each of the possible continuous total-recording times and which can be driven via a speed change gear (71) mechanism switchable in steps, which can be switched to different speed ratios for driving the indicating element at speeds inversely proportional to the corresponding continuous total-recording times. The machine (1) is designed for receiving a cassette (4), in which the record carrier (20) is accommodated and which has at least one indicator (28,29) for indicating the continuous total-recording time obtainable by means of this record carrier, and in the machine (1) there if a sensing device (91) for sensing the indicator of a cassette inserted into the machine.