Sound Masking
Soft dB — Sound Masking Technology from Canada's 30-Year Acoustic Expert
The fastest and most effective way to ensure Speech Privacy through background sound
Office Noise: The Hidden Cost
27%
Productivity loss due to noise in open offices
— BSO Acoustics Research
23 min
Average time to regain focus after noise disruption
— University of California, Irvine
60%
#1 workplace dissatisfaction factor = Noise
— IFMA Survey
Sound masking solves this problem — no construction, no walls, no disruption.
What is Sound Masking?
Sound masking is a technology that uniformly distributes specially engineered background sound throughout a space, making nearby conversations unintelligible even though they can still be heard.
Unlike soundproofing construction, no renovation is required — simply install speakers above the ceiling and it's ready to operate. Installation typically takes just 1–3 days.
Tornex is Korea's only provider of an integrated ABM (Absorb+Block+Mask) acoustic solution that combines sound masking with PET acoustic panels and carpet flooring.
ABW (Activity Based Working) hybrid office — a typical space requiring zone-based acoustic control
ABM Framework — Tornex Integrated Acoustic Solution
Absorb + Block + Mask — Tornex is the only company that can propose all three acoustic elements in a single design.
Absorb
PET Acoustic Panels, melamine foam, wood wool board — absorbs reverberation from walls and ceilings to improve the baseline acoustic environment.
Block
Consulting, We provide professional guidelines — physically blocks sound transmission between spaces and reduces impact noise.
Mask
Soft dB Sound Masking — covers remaining speech and noise with engineered background sound, ensuring Speech Privacy and focus.
Solution Packages
Choose the optimal package for your space's size and purpose.
ML-12 Controller
Privacy Shield
Executive offices · Meeting rooms · Consultation rooms · Legal offices
A package for spaces where speech information security is critical. The fastest way to ensure speech privacy without breaking walls.
- Controller: ML-12 (small) or ML-24 (medium)
- Speaker: HDN (hidden speaker) — aesthetics-first for executive spaces
- Key Features: Adaptive Volume, Multi-Zone independent control
- ABM Integration: Compensates for insufficient sound blocking of existing partitions/walls. PET acoustic panels can be added if needed.
Korea Reference Installed at Hyundai E&C president & VP offices
ML-48 Controller
Open Office
Open offices · Call centers · Shared offices · Co-working spaces
An acoustic infrastructure that restores focus in open offices. Set different sound pressure levels per department with automatic time-based adjustment.
- Controller: ML-48 (large) or RL-96 (floor-level)
- Speaker: FLAT (flat panel, ceiling tile replacement) or DIR (directional, zone-specific levels)
- Software: smartSMS-NET + SMS-Link (centralized multi-zone management)
- ABM Integration: PET baffles/clouds for ceiling absorption + masking for speech privacy
RL-96 Controller
ABM Total
New construction · Renovation · Projects considering acoustics from the design stage
Absorb, Block, and Mask in one — PET panels (wall/ceiling) + Anker carpet flooring + Soft dB sound masking, proposed as a single acoustic design. A uniquely Tornex integrated solution.
- Pre-simulation: Predict results before installation with treble.tech 3D acoustic simulation
- Full Cycle: Design → Material supply → System installation → Measurement → Tuning — all in one stop
- Differentiator: Tornex's unique ABM integrated positioning that competitors cannot replicate
Why Soft dB?
Soft dB — a Canadian acoustic specialist with 30 years of experience. Sound masking technology proven in thousands of facilities worldwide. Tornex is the official Korean dealer of Soft dB.
Adaptive Volume
The industry's only real-time sensor-based automatic volume adjustment system. Masking volume adjusts automatically to environmental changes, maintaining optimal acoustics all day without manual tuning.
Multi-Zone Independent Control
Each zone operates with an independent equalizer. Manage optimized acoustic profiles for open offices, meeting rooms, and reception areas — all from a single system.
Non-Destructive Installation
Installed above ceiling tiles or on exposed ceilings with no construction required. UL 62368 and UL 2043 certified for safe ceiling plenum installation. Typically completed in 1–3 days.
Made in Canada, Globally Proven
Designed and manufactured in Quebec, Canada. Installed and operating in thousands of facilities worldwide. Tornex, as the official Korean dealer, provides direct supply, installation, and maintenance.
References
Hyundai E&C
Sound masking system installed in president and VP offices. HDN (hidden speakers) maintain aesthetics while ensuring speech privacy.
Korea Executive Offices
Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
Sound masking systems installed in 3 buildings at the Olympic Village in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The acoustic solution chosen by a world-class sporting event.
Italy Olympic Village
Partners Healthcare
LEED-certified administrative campus in Boston, USA. Acoustic improvement for 4,200 employees across 12 floors. A large-scale office application case.
USA Healthcare/Office
Fortune 1000 Companies
A trusted sound masking partner for global enterprises and government agencies including JPMorgan Chase, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Department of the Interior.
North America Finance/Government
Applications
Open Offices
Reduces focus disruption from nearby conversations and improves productivity. Research shows cognitive performance improves by up to 23%.
Healthcare & Financial Institutions
Protects patient and client privacy in waiting rooms, consultation areas, and service counters. Meets speech privacy standards.
Libraries & Educational Facilities
Creates a focused learning environment, reduces sound transmission between classrooms, and maintains quiet zones without excessive isolation.
System Components
Controller
The heart of the system — generates broadband masking signals, manages zones, and powers the speakers.
| Model | Channels | Max Speakers | Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| ML-12 | 1 | 12 | Small Office |
| ML-24 | 2 | 24 | Medium Office |
| ML-48 | 4 | 48 | Large Office |
| RL-96 | 8 | 96 | Floor-level (~470m²) |
Speakers
The SMS-STR and SMS-STX are Soft dB's primary recommendation — indirect design directs sound upward into the ceiling plenum, creating uniform masking coverage with no audible source location. Concealed above ceiling tiles, they are completely invisible. For specialty environments, additional speaker types are available.
| Model | Type | Application | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Recommended — Indirect Plenum-Mount (Primary) | |||
| SMS-STR | Ceiling Plenum / Exposed Ceiling | Standard — Uniform Coverage, Invisible | UL 62368, UL 2043 |
| SMS-STX | Small Ceiling Plenum | Space-Constrained — Uniform Coverage | UL 62368 |
| Specialty Applications | |||
| SMS-FLAT | Flat Panel | Exposed Ceiling, Tile Replacement | UL 62368, UL 2043 |
| SMS-DIR | Directional | Targeted Zone Masking | UL 62368 |
| SMS-HDN | Hidden | Aesthetics-First Spaces | UL 62368, UL 2043 |
| SMS-Surf4 | Surface Mount | Music + Paging Dual-Use | UL 62368, UL 2043 |
| SMS-VibX | Vibration Exciter | All Surface Types | — |
Sensors & Software
SMS-SEN sensors measure ambient noise in real-time for automatic volume adjustment. smartSMS-NET project manager provides centralized zone mapping, commissioning, and monitoring.
- SMS-SEN — Real-time ambient noise sensor (up to 6 per channel)
- SMS-CTP — 7-inch central touch panel
- smartSMS-NET — Full management software with floor-plan visualization
- CTP (Commissioning Tool) — Precision tuning via target curve matching
- SMS-Link Mobile App — Volume control from your smartphone
Technical Document Downloads
Download spec sheets, user guides, and 3D models for all Soft dB sound masking products.
Controller
| Model | Description | Spec Sheet | User Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMS-II | Compact Controller — Small Office | ||
| ML-SL | SMS-NET Master — Ceiling Mount | ||
| RL96 / RLCTL2 | Rack Mount Controller | PDF / RLCTL2 |
Speakers
| Model | Type | Spec Sheet | User Guide | 3D Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMS-STR | Ceiling Plenum / Exposed Ceiling | ZIP | ||
| SMS-STX | Small Ceiling | — | ||
| SMS-FLAT | Flat Panel | ZIP | ||
| SMS-DIR | Directional | — | ||
| SMS-HDN | Hidden | — | ||
| SMS-Surf4 | Surface Mount | ZIP | ||
| SMS-VibX | Vibration Exciter | — |
Sensors & Software
| Product | Description | Spec Sheet | User Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS-SEN | Real-time Ambient Noise Sensor | ||
| SMS-CTP | 7-inch Central Touch Panel | ||
| smartSMS-NET | Management Software | PDF / V4.2k | |
| SMS-SK-VC | Speaker Volume Control | ||
| SMS-ZN-VC | Zone Volume Control |
Tornex Acoustic Consulting Process
Our 6-step acoustic consulting process delivers measurable results for your sound masking investment.
On-site noise measurement and acoustic diagnostics using professional equipment (I-TRACK)
Integrated ABM design — acoustic panel placement + masking zone layout in a single plan
Visualize and predict results before installation with treble.tech acoustic simulator
Acoustic panels + Soft dB system — completed in one project by a single vendor
Professional calibration (using CTP) for optimal masking performance per zone
Post-installation remeasurement and performance certification report
Acoustic Materials that Maximize Masking Performance
Sound masking alone is effective, but combined with acoustic materials, you can achieve 2–3x better results.
PET Acoustic Panels
NRC 0.79–0.90, 107 colors, fire certified. Absorbs reverberation on walls and ceilings to enhance masking efficiency.
Melamine Foam
Lightweight with excellent broadband absorption. Applied in ceiling plenums or on walls to improve baseline acoustics.
Wood Wool Board
Nordic raw boards with natural texture. Applied to walls and ceilings for mid-low frequency absorption and interior aesthetics.
Consulting
170-year German premium carpet. Blocks floor impact noise and reduces footstep noise for synergy with masking.
FAQ
Can it be installed in existing buildings?
Yes. Sound masking requires no construction or structural changes. Speakers are installed above ceiling tiles or mounted on exposed ceilings. Installation in typical offices takes 1–3 days.
How long does installation take?
For a standard 500m² office, installation and commissioning takes 2–3 days. Installation can be done outside business hours to avoid disruption.
How is maintenance handled?
Sound masking systems are virtually maintenance-free. Adaptive volume sensors continuously optimize performance. Tornex provides regular inspections and ongoing technical support.
Is it better to use with acoustic panels?
Much better. The ABM framework — Absorb + Block + Mask — delivers 2–3x better results compared to a single solution. Tornex is the only provider in Korea that can offer all three.
How is Soft dB different from other systems?
Soft dB offers the industry's only real-time Adaptive Volume. While other systems play fixed-level sound, Soft dB sensors measure the environment in real-time for automatic adjustment — maintaining optimal masking 24/7.
Are white noise and sound masking the same thing?
No. White noise distributes equal energy across all frequencies, but sound masking uses a spectrum optimized for human speech frequencies. The Soft dB system generates a precision masking spectrum based on pink noise, producing a natural and comfortable background sound.
Learn more about the proper application sequence of sound masking and the importance of acoustic absorption.
→ Why You Shouldn't Install Sound Masking Just Anywhere — The Right Order of Absorption and Masking
Transform Your Office Acoustics Today
Request a free acoustic consultation. We diagnose your space, design a tailored solution, and show you expected results before installation.
Request Consultation Request Materials