A tape-containing cartridge accommodates an endless tape either in the form of random loops or in the form of a tape roll wound on a single reel. A tape passageway extends the cartridge from a cavity adjacent a back wall, thence between a first side wall and a first internal wall past pad means and thence between a front wall and a second internal wall past a transducer-receiving opening formed in the front wall and thence between a pinch roller and portions of the front and second side walls into the cavity. The second side wall has an opening facing the pinch roller for receiving an external capstan. A positional relationship between the pinch roller and the capstan is selected such that a tangential force line at the contact point of the pinch roller and the capstan points inwards of the second side wall. An inward protrusion and a rotatably mounted guide roller provide a limited opening at the entry to the tape passageway to prevent tape creasing at the entry, while limiting drag on the tape.