There are a number of alternatives how to use the tape width, depending on what qualities one is looking for.
There are even more configurations available, but they are rare so I will not discuss them here.

Most recorders have 3 heads. First an erase head (1), preparing the tape before the next head
(2) will record. Finally there is a third head for reproduction (play).
Head 2 and 3 are usually identical, so one has a choice to use either of them for playback.
(See photo below of a TEAC  record/playback head).
A switch on the recorder makes it possible to choose which head should be for playback.

This is 2-track, 2-channels. Wider tracks means better sound.
There is a European (DIN) and a US (NAB) standard for track width. DIN has wider tracks (2,8 mm) compared to
2,1 for NAB. There is / was even an Ampex standard with 1,9 mm tracks.

4-track, 2-channels. The tape has 4 tracks, but only 2 are used in each direction.
This is the standard that most "home" recorders use, and the same that you find in cassette recorders (but with 1/8 inch tape
of course).
The advantage is that you have get twice as many hours on the tape, compared to a 2-track, since you play one side of the tape, and then play it in opposite direction. Again, just like in a cassette recorder.
Disadvantage is of course that the track is narrow compared to 2-track, and that the tape cannot be edited "manually" with
scissors, since you might have recordings on the other 2 tracks that you cannot hear until you play the tape in that direction.

4-track, 4-channels. Used for studio recordings when you might have vocal on one track, and then you add instruments on the other tracks. These recorders handle the tracks one by one if you wish, so you can listen to one (or more) tracks, and record on another at the same time.
 
 
 
 
 

OTARI MTR-90

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