PURPOSE: To corner noise without obtaining a reproduced RF signal, by using an on-track position pulse from a tracking error signal obtained from the processing of a reproduced pilot signal.

CONSTITUTION: Every difference signal between a pilot signal on a main scanning track and each pilot signal recorded on both adjacent tracks is extracted by separating the signals, and the amount of shift of a head and the direction from a main scanning track are detected by comparing the reproducing level of both signals to obtain an on-track position pulse PO, which is inputted to a terminal 32. Further, a head switching signal H.SW(a) is inputted to a terminal 31. A monostable multivibrator circuit 36 is triggered by the pulse PO and a signal (e) is outputted. When outputs (b), (e) are dissident, that is, at the H.SW periods A1, A2, A3, an output (c) of a noise cornering pulse generating circuit 37 is obtained. Then, some fraction of the track width of the magnetic tape is transferred, but no output (c) is obtained when the signals (e) and (b) are coincident by transferring.