Acoustic Transfer Assist (ATA) systems are used in media printing devices to help transfer toner to paper by use of ultrasonic vibrations. The transducer is driven at its resonant frequency, though somewhat dampened. To shorten the decay time of the transducer when its vibration is not desired, a compensating signal is used. A reverse drive voltage is used during transducer shut-off. The reverse drive causes the transducer to vibrate at its normal resonant frequency, but at a 180.degree. phase shift, causing the transducer to stop vibrating significantly faster than without a reverse drive. An open phase-locked loop system drives the transducer from resonance to rest. When the transducer stops vibrating, current to the reverse drive loop is cut off.