Tornex, a specialist in architectural acoustic materials, has officially launched a sound masking system in the Korean market through a partnership with Soft dB of Canada.
Through this partnership, Tornex has established the only domestic one-stop platform delivering a fully integrated ABM acoustic solution — covering Absorb, Block, and Mask in a single engagement.
A Decade of Acoustic Expertise Combined with Global Technology
Tornex is a specialist company in the distribution and installation of interior acoustic materials, including PET acoustic panels, melamine foam, wood wool board, and carpet tile.
With in-house CNC fabrication facilities, a registered acoustic measurement business, and a treble.tech 3D acoustic simulator license, Tornex goes beyond simple product supply to deliver end-to-end professional consulting — from acoustic diagnosis and design through installation and verification.
Soft dB is a Canadian company headquartered in Quebec with over 30 years of acoustic expertise, supplying and operating sound masking systems in thousands of facilities worldwide. The company holds the industry's only Adaptive Volume Control technology, which automatically adjusts masking volume in real time in response to ambient noise levels.
Tornex is the only domestic provider guaranteeing correct installation through acoustic diagnosis and 3D simulation technology.
Korea's Only Full ABM Lineup
Office acoustic problems cannot be solved by any single solution. Under the internationally recognized ABM (Absorb-Block-Mask) framework, all three elements must be applied in a complementary sequence.
ABM Framework — Tornex Solutions:
- Absorb — Reduce reverberation and establish a speech intelligibility baseline: PET acoustic panels (107 colors, NRC 0.79–0.90), melamine foam, wood wool board
- Block — Prevent sound transmission between adjacent spaces: acoustic consulting and design guidance based on international standards (STC/IIC, ISO 140 partition performance classification)
- Mask — Mask residual speech intelligibility: Soft dB Sound Masking System
The correct sequencing of absorption and masking is particularly important. Installing sound masking without prior absorption treatment can produce counterproductive results; professional diagnosis and design must always come first. For the technical background, see "Why Sound Masking Cannot Be Installed Anywhere".
Product Highlights: Soft dB ML24 & CMS
Soft dB's core products are the ML24 controller and the CMS (Central Management System).
- ML24 independent zone control — Up to 24 zones operating independently. Separate acoustic profiles applied to match the specific characteristics of open offices, areas adjacent to meeting rooms, reception, and other spaces
- Adaptive Volume Control — SMS-SEN sensors detect ambient noise in real time and automatically adjust masking volume. Maintains optimal conditions throughout the day without manual tuning
- CMS central management system — smartSMS-NET software integrates floor plan-based visualization, commissioning, and monitoring in a single interface
- Non-destructive installation — Installed above the ceiling or in an exposed ceiling configuration. UL 62368 / UL 2043 certified. Operational within days, without construction
Detailed product specifications and technical documentation are available on the Sound Masking product page.
Domestic References and Plans
Tornex has completed the installation of the Soft dB sound masking system at the Hyundai Engineering & Construction headquarters. As the first implementation at a Korean conglomerate's executive-level workspace, the project verified both speech privacy and confidentiality in executive meetings.
Going forward, Tornex plans to extend integrated acoustic consulting to its existing acoustic materials clients and to expand its comprehensive office acoustic solution based on the ABM framework. Tornex's Total Acoustic Solution — covering the full cycle from acoustic diagnosis through installation and verification — will set a new standard for the Korean office environment.
Request an Acoustic Consultation
Interested in the products introduced in this article? View Products → Sound Masking