A system, according to one embodiment, includes a magnetic head having sensor structures disposed laterally along a cross-track direction, each sensor structure having a free layer, a soft bias layer positioned laterally to each sensor structure, an antiparallel coupling layer above each soft bias layer, a magnetic layer above each antiparallel coupling layer, wherein magnetic moments of the soft bias layer and the magnetic layer are antiparallel coupled, and a stabilizing layer above each magnetic layer for stabilizing a magnetic orientation of the magnetic layer. Moreover, opposing faces of the magnetic layers are positioned apart by a distance that causes each magnetic layer to form a magnetic circuit with the associated free layer and the associated soft bias layer.