Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus having a first tape drive mechanism capable of carrying out at least reproducing transport in one direction and the reverse direction of a first magnetic tape and a second tape drive mechanism capable of carrying out at least recording transport in one direction and the reverse direction of a second magnetic tape, such that during a so-called dubbing operation until reproducing transport in one direction of the first magnetic tape by the first tape drive mechanism and the recording transport in one direction of the second magnetic tape by the second tape drive mechanism are both ended, the tape drive mechanism whose operation is ended first is stopped and is not reversed, so that when the other tape drive mechanism finishes its operation the first and second tape drive mechanisms both start the respective reproducing and recording transports in the reverse direction of the first and second magnetic tapes simultaneously.