A CDM simulator for a magnetic recording head ca be used for the in situ testing of such heads and also for electrical and/or magnetic characterization. The recording head is disposed in the simulator adjacent a discharge plate of an electrically conductive material with a dielectric layer disposed therebetween. The recording head is resistively coupled to a ground potential. A stored charge is injected into the discharge plate. When the charge is injected, a current transient similar to electrostatic discharge, is developed through the magnetic recording head.