Abstract: A system for generating magnetic images has a recording head positioned opposite the surface of a recording member such as a magnetic tape or drum. The head carries at least two layers of separate meandering electrical conductors. The conductors in each layer are arranged so that segments thereof overlap at a multiplicity of discrete points on the head with each such point being defined by a selected pair of conductors, one from each layer. When current is applied to a selected conductor pair, a magnetic field is generated at the corresponding point on the head which is strong enough to magnetize the area of the recording medium opposite that point. Thus, when selected conductor pairs in the head are energized in accordance with an input pattern using suitable addressing techniques, a corresponding latent pattern is magnetically impressed on the recording medium.