An apparatus-implemented method according to one embodiment includes passing a magnetic recording tape over a plurality of modules having write transducers. Associated pairs of the write transducers are aligned along an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, and planes of deposition of write gaps of the write transducers in each associated pair are oriented at an angle of greater than 4 degrees relative to each other. The method further includes controlling a timing of writing of each of the write transducers individually for causing each pair of write transducers to write magnetic bars on the magnetic recording tape that are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel thereacross.