A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that is arranged
to receive a tape cassette accommodating a tape recording medium that is
selectively loaded thereto, the loaded tape cassette being selected from
plural different types of tape cassettes of different sizes. The
apparatus includes a rotating drum unit having a rotating head, and
plural loading poles that are configured to pull the tape recording
medium of the loaded tape cassette out of the loaded tape cassette, wind
the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette around the rotating
drum unit, and form a tape path. The loading poles include a common
loading pole that is used when any one of the different types of tape
cassettes is loaded, and an individual loading pole that is used when a
predetermined type of tape cassette of the different types of tape
cassettes is loaded.