For the active compensation of oscillations in a machine which processes printing material, a signal which contains an oscillation of the machine or of a part of the machine is measured and at least one counter torque is introduced into the machine to reduce the oscillation. At least one measure for a ratio between the amplitude of the uncompensated oscillation and the amplitude of the counter torque necessary for complete compensation is compared with a threshold value. The counter torque is determined in a first functional relationship with the oscillation if the measure is greater than the threshold value, and the counter torque is determined in a second functional relationship with the oscillation, if the measure is smaller than the threshold value. In the machine, a regulating device is operated in a first or second operating mode in dependence on the measure of the ratio.