A source controller distributed system for a multi-element marine source includes a master controller communicating via a cable with source controllers associated with source elements. The master controller generates commands for the source controllers. Each source controller is attached to sensors and mechanisms of one of the source elements, and controls the source element according to the received commands. The source controller also sends data to the master controllers, with the data being gathered by sensors of the source element and/or being related to the status of the source elements, alerts, and/or functional quality control.

The arrangement of air-gun subarrays is controlled by adjusting a geometric parameter, such as, an inline distance, an attack angle and/or a cross-line position for one or more subarrays. The adjustment is performed to achieve a target energy distribution for signals emitted by the air-gun subarrays.