a mode selecting assembly for a recording and / or reproducing apparatus includes at least one operating member , which is displaced to change the apparatus over to an operating mode . the operating member is displaced by the revolution of an operating gear having a toothless portion and the operating gear is driven by a pinion . the engagement of the operating gear with the pinion is triggered by a trigger member responsive to the depression of a corresponding operating push button . the operating gear is prevented from further rotation after the establishment of the selected operating mode by a locking member when the selected operating push - button is continuously depressed . the mode selecting assembly further includes timed recording capability wherein the pinion in engagement with the end of the toothed portion of the operating gear maintains the trigger means in an inactive state to place the apparatus in a preparing mode for timed recording . at the preset time , the preparing mode is released by a releasing member and the operating gear is rotated to its original inoperative position where the toothless portion faces the pinion to disengage the operating gear from the pinion .