Abstract: A closed loop control and a closed loop control method use frequency filters for controlling the width of an air gap in an electromagnetic levitation system between a machine bed and a mass, such as a machine to be levitated. The control includes closed loop control elements to electromagnetically simulate a mechanical spring having a variable, sonic frequency-dependent spring characteristic including the spring rate and damping for providing an acoustic insulation to prevent vibration transmissions into the machine bed. The control element includes filters responsive to sonic frequencies. The closed loop control supports and guides the levitated machine within narrow air gap widths in the very low frequency range and prevents the transmission of vibration forces to the machine bed in the low, medium and high frequency ranges.