A method and system for mitigating direct coupling. A method of mitigating direct coupling may comprise disposing an electromagnetic sensor system in a wellbore. The electromagnetic sensor system may include a receiver disposed on a conductive body and a gap sub disposed at another location on the conductive body. Exciting an electromagnetic source to inject an electrical current into a formation. Exciting the gap sub to achieve a small current condition at the selected point. Performing a first measurement at a receiver. Interpreting the first measurement to calculate a formation or pipe parameter and using the formation or pipe parameter to adjust at least one parameter of a well operation. A system of mitigating direct coupling may include a conductive body may comprise a gap sub, a controller, a voltage source, a receiver, and an information handling system. The information handling system may be operable to cancel current.