an apparatus for filling a cassette with a length of magnetic tape , comprising a cassette holder movable between at least two positions ; a splicing table having three rectangular aligned vacuum pads , a first pad being arranged on a stationary first block of a splicing table , and second and third pads being arranged on a second , pivotal block on the splicing table ; an extraction member for withdrawing leader tape from the cassette ; a cutting member for severing the leader tape and a length of magnetic tape ; a splicing assembly for splicing the magnetic tape to the leader ; and a winding device for winding the magnetic tape and leader after splicing . the cassette holder is pivotable about an axis between a first position straight above the splicing table , where it cooperates with the winding device , and a second position inclined to the splicing table which provides room for operation of the splicing assembly . the cassette holder pivots about an axis lying substantially in a plane through the second block pivotal axis , which plane bisects the width of the first vacuum pad between the pivotal axis of the second block and the upper surface of the first vacuum pad , the two pivotal axes being substantially parallel .