A magnetic recording apparatus capable of efficiently erasing data in accordance with a type of magnetic recording medium, comprises a current source, an erase head for erasing data recorded on a recording medium using a supplied erase current, and a current supplying section for supplying an erase current from the current source to the erase head in accordance with input erase current control data. The current supplying section comprises a selecting section for selecting a combination of a plurality of control elements in accordance with the input erase current control data, and a supplying section for supplying an erase current determined in accordance with the selected combination from the current source to the erase head.