PURPOSE: To automatically eliminate an undesired audio signal when a tape is at a standstill and to reduce its signal level when the tape is moving at a selective speed.

CONSTITUTION: The device and method are provided for the purpose of controlling the level of an audio output signal to be reproduced at low or zero speed from a recorded magnetic tape. A gain control signal is supplied in order that a disturbance repeating audio signal causing stop motion reproduction is eliminated, and the signal level under low tape speed reproduction is reduced. The gain control signal is generated depending upon the size of tape speed, and is given for the purpose of adjusting an audio output gain for a reproducing channel.