An active control coating for the absorption of normally reflected acoustic pressure waves is presented. This polymer matrix coating encapsulates large area polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) plates for characterization of the impressed acoustic field and a piezocomposite actuator for the absorption of the reflected acoustic pressure. The sensing and actuating devices are connected via an external electronic network. Background analysis will describe the adopted system and component methodologies. Experimental data of the individual components and the complete system, as measured in a underwater acoustic pulse tube, will be presented.