an integral tape path assembly includes a head subassembly , a buffer / guide subassembly and a spaced sensor / guide subassembly , all mounted to a common tape path plate . the buffer / guide subassembly includes a buffer arm which pivots about an axis shared by a fixed guide . a hall - effect position sensor can be mechanically calibrated via an aperture in a housing . the speed sensor / guide subassembly includes a roller which serves to guide the tape on the take - up side of the tape drive system and to drive a shaft holding a speed indicator for a speed sensor . the speed sensor / guide subassembly includes a fixed - orientation washer for urging the tape against an upper flange of the roller . the washer is off - center sprung to counter distorting forces engendered by the tape as it engages the roller . accordingly , a compact tape path assembly is provided requiring a reduced number of precision alignments and minimizing sources of tape distortion .