With an active magnetic bearing 1 there is a limit to the available rapidity of response to transient loadings upon a target or rotor 4. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, storage devices 25, 125, 225, 35 hold an electrical voltage VS significantly greater than the normal supply voltage V provided by a normal electrical source 22, 32. In such circumstances when a very large transient loading is detected on the bearing 1 a switch 26, 37 discharges the supply voltage VS across the coil 23, 33 in order that a more rapid increase and higher value inductance current IT is presented to the coil 22, 32 in response to that variable loading upon the target/rotor 24, 34. The electrical discharge from the storage device 25, 125, 225, 35 can be adjusted using the switch 26, 37 or mixing the storage devices 25, 125, 225, 35 as required for an appropriate discharge signal shape. Generally, the active magnetic bearing 21, 31 is controlled by a controller device which monitors target/rotor 24, 34 position in order to determine transient loading and therefore switching of the storage device 25, 125, 225, 35.