A multi-channel head position control apparatus and a method of controlling the
position of the multi-channel head in which even if the width of a tape-like recording
medium is changed, each of unit recording heads constituting a multi-channel head
can be aligned with corresponding track centers. The multi-channel head having
a plurality of unit recording heads arrayed in the longitudinal direction is disposed
so that the alignment direction of the unit recording heads forms an azimuth angle
relative to the running direction of the tape-like recording medium. The position
of the multi-channel head is controlled by a supporting section in accordance with
a control signal recorded on the tape-like recording medium and detected by a detecting
section so that the alignment between each of the unit recording heads and corresponding
track center is maintained.