A arrangement is provided for paying-out a linear material. The method includes rotating a frame in a direction to pay-out the material; rotating a reel to unwind the material therefrom; utilizing a capstan assembly to restrict a pay-out speed of the material; applying a prescribed tensile force to the material by use of a dancer member disposed near the capstan assembly; detecting a position of the dancer member; and controlling the pay-out speed by the capstan assembly to keep the detected position unchanged.