Sound Masking
Powered by Soft dB — Canada's Leading Sound Masking Technology
The only system with adaptive volume control that automatically adjusts to your space's real-time noise levels.
The Hidden Cost of Office Noise
27%
Productivity loss due to noise distractions in open-plan offices
— BSO Acoustics Research
23 min
Average time to regain focus after a noise interruption
— University of California, Irvine
60%
Of employees cite noise as their #1 workplace complaint
— IFMA Survey
Sound masking solves this — without construction, without walls, without disruption.
The ABM Framework
TORNEX is Korea's only provider offering all three pillars of acoustic design in a single, integrated solution.
Absorb
PET Panels, Melamine Foam, Wood Wool — reduce echo and reverberation by absorbing sound energy from walls, ceilings, and furniture.
Block
Carpet tiles, partitions, and desk screens — physically block sound transmission between spaces and reduce impact noise.
Mask
Soft dB Sound Masking — add engineered background sound to cover remaining speech and noise, ensuring privacy and focus.
What is Sound Masking?
Sound masking adds a gentle, engineered background sound to reduce the intelligibility of human speech and minimize distracting noises.
Unlike soundproofing, it doesn't require construction — it's a non-invasive solution that can be installed in just days and operational immediately.
Combined with TORNEX's acoustic absorption materials, sound masking completes the ABM framework — the gold standard for comprehensive acoustic design.
Typical office sound masking layout — controllers, speakers, and sensors working together
Why Soft dB?
Adaptive Volume Control
The industry's only system that uses real-time sensors to automatically adjust masking volume based on ambient noise levels. No manual tuning needed — the system adapts throughout the day.
Multi-Zone Independent Control
Each zone operates independently with its own equalizer. Open offices, meeting rooms, and reception areas can each have optimized acoustic profiles from a single system.
Non-Invasive Installation
Installs above ceiling tiles or on open ceilings with no construction required. UL 62368 and UL 2043 certified for plenum installation. Operational within days, not weeks.
Proven Technology from Canada
Designed and manufactured in Quebec, Canada. Deployed in thousands of facilities worldwide. TORNEX is the exclusive distributor in Korea.
Applications
Open Plan Offices
Reduce speech distraction, improve focus, and boost productivity. Studies show up to 23% improvement in cognitive performance.
Healthcare & Finance
Protect patient and client privacy in waiting rooms, consultation areas, and transaction counters. Meet speech privacy standards.
Libraries & Education
Create focused study environments, reduce noise transfer between classrooms, and maintain quiet zones without excessive isolation.
System Components
Controllers
The brain of the system — generates broadband masking signals, manages zones, and powers speakers.
| Model | Channels | Max Speakers | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact SMS-II | 1 | 12 | Small Office |
| SMS-NET Master | 8 | 48 | Medium Office |
| RL96 | 8 | 96 | ~470m² |
Speakers
7 speaker types for every scenario — plenum, open ceiling, surface, directional, and hidden vibration.
| Model | Type | Application | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS-STR | Plenum / Open Ceiling | Standard masking | UL 62368, UL 2043 |
| SMS-STX | Compact Plenum | Space-limited | UL 62368 |
| SMS-FLAT | Low Profile | Exposed ceilings | UL 62368, UL 2043 |
| SMS-DIRECT | Directional | Targeted masking | UL 62368 |
| SMS-HDN | Vibration Driver | Hidden install | UL 62368, UL 2043 |
| SMS-Surf4 | Surface 4" | Music + Paging | UL 62368, UL 2043 |
| SMS-VibX | Transducer | Any surface | — |
Sensors & Software
SMS-SEN sensors measure real-time ambient noise, enabling adaptive volume control. The smartSMS-NET Project Manager provides centralized control with zone mapping, commissioning, and monitoring.
- SMS-SEN — Real-time ambient noise sensor (1 per channel)
- SMS-CTP — 7" Centralized Touch Panel for local control
- smartSMS-NET — Full management software with floor plan visualization
- Calibration Tool — Precision tuning with target curve matching
- Mobile App — Volume control via smartphone
Technical Documents
Download spec sheets, user guides, and 3D models for all Soft dB sound masking products.
Controllers
| Model | Description | Spec Sheet | User Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMS-II | Compact Controller — Small Office | ||
| ML-SL | SMS-NET Master — Plenum | ||
| RL96 / RLCTL2 | Rack Mounted Controller | PDF / RLCTL2 |
Speakers
| Model | Type | Spec Sheet | User Guide | 3D Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMS-STR | Plenum / Open Ceiling | ZIP | ||
| SMS-STX | Compact Plenum | — | ||
| SMS-FLAT | Low Profile | ZIP | ||
| SMS-DIRECT | Directional | — | ||
| SMS-HDN | Vibration Driver | — | ||
| SMS-Surf4 | Surface 4" | ZIP | ||
| SMS-VibX | Transducer | — |
Sensors & Software
| Product | Description | Spec Sheet | User Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS-SEN | Real-time Ambient Noise Sensor | ||
| SMS-CTP | 7" Centralized Touch Panel | ||
| smartSMS-NET | Management Software | PDF / V4.2k | |
| SMS-SK-VC | Speaker Volume Control | ||
| SMS-ZN-VC | Zone Volume Control |
The TORNEX Advantage
Our 6-step acoustic consulting process ensures measurable results from your sound masking investment.
On-site noise measurement with professional equipment (I-TRACK)
Integrated ABM design — absorption + masking zone layout
Pre-installation visualization with treble.tech acoustic simulator
Absorption materials + Soft dB system — single vendor, one project
Professional calibration for optimal masking performance per zone
Post-installation measurement and certified performance report
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it be installed in existing buildings?
Yes. Sound masking requires no construction or structural changes. Speakers install above ceiling tiles or mount on open ceilings. A typical office takes 1-3 days.
How long does installation take?
For a standard 500m² office, installation and commissioning can be completed in 2-3 days. The system is non-disruptive and can be installed outside business hours.
What about maintenance?
Sound masking systems are virtually maintenance-free. Adaptive sensors continuously optimize performance. TORNEX provides ongoing support and periodic health checks.
Is it better combined with acoustic absorption materials?
Absolutely. The ABM framework — Absorb + Block + Mask — delivers 2-3x better results than any single solution. TORNEX is uniquely positioned to provide all three.
What makes Soft dB different from other systems?
Soft dB is the only manufacturer offering true adaptive volume control. While others play fixed sound levels, Soft dB sensors measure ambient noise in real-time and auto-adjust — optimal masking 24/7.
Ready to optimize your space?
Contact us for a free acoustic consultation. We'll assess your space, design a tailored solution, and show you the expected results before installation begins.
Contact Us Request Information