Multi-mode, multi-channel magnetic recording head and apparatus

A drive-implemented method, comprising:

• in a first mode of operation, processing data using only transducers of subarrays positioned on opposite sides of an inner transducer in an array of transducers;
• and
• processing data using only a portion of the transducers in each of the subarrays in a second mode of operation,
• wherein the inner transducer is inactive in the second mode of operation,
• wherein the inner transducer is central and the subarrays are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the inner transducer,
• wherein a magnetic medium passes over the array of transducers.

A computer program product for processing data, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method comprising:

• in a first mode of operation, processing, by the processor, data using only transducers of subarrays positioned on opposite sides of an inner transducer in an array of transducers;
• and
• processing, by the processor, data using only a portion of the transducers in each of the subarrays in a second mode of operation,
• wherein the inner transducer is inactive in the second mode of operation.