Combing machine for spinning preparation, having a machine frame in which a plurality of combing heads are disposed in a row, and having a main drive motor for driving the combing heads, wherein - a first group of combing heads is in operative connection with the main drive motor by means of a first drive connection and can be driven in a first phase position (α1), and - at least a second group of combing heads is in operative connection with the main drive motor by means of a second drive connection and can be driven in a second phase position (α2), - the combing heads that can be operated in the first phase position (α1) and the combing heads that can be operated in the second phase position (α2) being disposed alternately and/or symmetrically to one another starting from the centre of the row of combing heads, - so that, when the main drive motor is in operation, the combing cycles of the combing heads of the first and at least second groups are phase-shifted relative to one another, characterised in that the first group of combing heads and the second group of combing heads are driven by way of a common control shaft, the first drive connection being disposed between the control shaft and the combing heads of the first group and the second drive connection being disposed between the control shaft and the combing heads of the second group, with the result that, when the main drive motor is in operation, the combing cycles of the combing heads of the first group are phase-shifted relative to the combing cycles of the combing heads of the second group, and that cams are provided for driving a function of the combing heads that is relevant for the combing cycle, the first drive connection having a cam for driving a function of the combing head which is in operative connection with the control shaft in a first phase position (α1), and the second drive connection having a cam which is in operative connection with the control shaft in a second phase position (α2), wherein a nipper unit is connected to the cam so as to be drivable in an oscillating manner. - a first group of combing heads is in operative connection with the main drive motor by means of a first drive connection and can be driven in a first phase position (α1), and - at least a second group of combing heads is in operative connection with the main drive motor by means of a second drive connection and can be driven in a second phase position (α2), - the combing heads that can be operated in the first phase position (α1) and the combing heads that can be operated in the second phase position (α2) being disposed alternately and/or symmetrically to one another starting from the centre of the row of combing heads, - so that, when the main drive motor is in operation, the combing cycles of the combing heads of the first and at least second groups are phase-shifted relative to one another, characterised in that the first group of combing heads and the second group of combing heads are driven by way of a common control shaft, the first drive connection being disposed between the control shaft and the combing heads of the first group and the second drive connection being disposed between the control shaft and the combing heads of the second group, with the result that, when the main drive motor is in operation, the combing cycles of the combing heads of the first group are phase-shifted relative to the combing cycles of the combing heads of the second group, and that cams are provided for driving a function of the combing heads that is relevant for the combing cycle, the first drive connection having a cam for driving a function of the combing head which is in operative connection with the control shaft in a first phase position (α1), and the second drive connection having a cam which is in operative connection with the control shaft in a second phase position (α2), wherein a nipper unit is connected to the cam so as to be drivable in an oscillating manner.