Quasi-statically tilted magnetic tape head having backward compatibility

An apparatus, comprising:

• a magnetic head, the magnetic head having:
• a first array of data transducers;
• a second array of data transducers spaced from the first array;
• and
• a third array of data transducers positioned between the first and second arrays,
• the magnetic head being positionable between a first position and a second position,
• wherein a longitudinal axis of the third array is oriented at a first angle relative to a line oriented perpendicular to an intended direction of tape travel across the magnetic head when the magnetic head is in the first position,
• wherein the longitudinal axis of the third array is oriented at a second angle relative to the line oriented perpendicular to the intended direction of tape travel when the magnetic head is in the second position,
• wherein a pitch of the data transducers of at least two of the arrays presented to the tape is compatible with a first format when the magnetic head is positioned between the first and second positions,
• wherein the pitch of the data transducers of at least one of the arrays is compatible with a second format when the longitudinal axis of the third array is oriented about perpendicular to the intended direction of tape travel,
• wherein a data track pitch of the first format is different than the data track pitch of the second format.