Tape Head

A transducer that converts electrical energy to varying magnetism. The magnetic flux from the head is used to magnetize recording tape, which is coated with a thin layer of oxide. There are two types of record heads in use: fixed head, where the tape rolls past a stationary head; and rotating head, as found in video-type recorders and many digital tape recorders, where the tape moves at a slower speed, but the head spins, increasing the effective tape speed for better performance.