The present disclosure generally relates to a magnetic recording system comprising a magnetic recording head. The magnetic recording head comprises a main pole disposed at a media facing surface (MFS). The main pole is disposed between a trailing shield and a leading shield, the trailing shield and the leading shield each extending to the MFS. A first lead is disposed between the main pole and the trailing shield, and the first lead is recessed from the MFS. A first portion of the first lead is disposed in contact with the main pole. A first insulating layer is disposed between and in contact with a second portion of the first lead and the main pole, and the first insulating layer being recessed from the MFS. The first lead and the first insulating layer direct a current through the main pole at a location recessed from the MFS.