Tape media cleaning/finishing device

The present invention relates to a device for removing debris from a surface of a tape media. More particularly, it relates to an on-line or off-line tool capable of removing both loose and adherent debris from a media tape, preferably a magnetic tape, via a multi-slotted cleaning head and/or a negative pressure multi-cavity cleaning head. A system and method for cleaning a tape media, such as a magnetic tape. The system preferably includes first and second cleaning heads. The first cleaning head has a plurality of spaced ridges defining a curved, tape-receiving face. The second cleaning head has including a plurality of lands spaced by shallow cavities configured to establish a sub-ambient condition. During use, a tape is transversed over the first cleaning head, with contact at leading edges formed by the ridges removing relatively large and loose particles. Relative to the second cleaning head, the tape partially wraps about a leading corner of the lands, due to the sub-ambient condition within the shallow cavities, facilitating removal of small, tacky debris. Processing by the cleaning heads simulates multiple passes over a magnetic head, thereby stabilizing magnetic tape. In alternative embodiments, the system includes only one of the first or second cleaning heads.