Abstract: A clogging detector used for a VTR to check the recording state of a recording head without using the reproducing head. A test signal of a lower frequency than the erasing frequency is recorded before and after an information signal by means of an erasing head. Before and after recording the information signal by means of the recording head, the test signal is reproduced, the reproduction output is detected by a detecting circuit, and the level of the output is compared with a preset level by a comparing circuit. When the level is lower than the preset level, a warming is issued from a warming circuit, thus preventing a recording failure due to the clogging of the head.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is provided in which among diametrically oppositely disposed heads, a recording head and an erasing head of a same channel are disposed adjacently to each other. The recording head is disposed so as to precede by two tracks the erasing head with respect to a direction of cylinder rotation, when insert-editing, using a reproduced signal obtained by the recording head, erase and record timing setting and head tracking are performed and an erasing current is not applied during the reproduction by the recording head. The reproducing heads are disposed so as to be angularly apart by about 90 degrees from the recording and erasing heads, and a rotary transformer for reproduction is applied with a shield measure and then, formed as a core independently at an upper portion of the cylinder. In addition, more narrow tracks are compatibly reproduced by the recording head.