Sound Directionality | Roderick Mackenzie, an acoustics expert from Canada, will be coming to the UK in October to present at the Acoustics Conference 2023 in Winchester. His presentation, titled “The Use of Adaptive Sound Masking Systems in Open Plan Offices,” will take place on Tuesday afternoon, October 17th.
Roderick is the Deputy Director of Acoustical Consulting at Soft dB Canada and brings over 20 years of experience across a wide range of acoustic disciplines. Throughout his career, he has worked on complex projects involving workplace acoustics, environmental noise, vibration control, and speech privacy. His depth of knowledge and practical insight have made him a respected voice in the acoustics industry, particularly when it comes to designing environments that balance comfort, clarity, and functionality.
During his presentation, Roderick will also explore how directional audio technologies can be applied in open-plan offices to enhance speech privacy, reduce distractions, and optimise the overall acoustic experience. By focusing sound precisely where it is needed, directional audio allows employees to enjoy clearer communication while minimising the impact of background noise, creating a more productive and comfortable workspace.
At the upcoming conference, Roderick’s presentation will focus on the benefits of using adaptive sound masking systems in open-plan offices to improve acoustic comfort and employee wellbeing. Modern workplaces are increasingly collaborative, but this openness often comes at the cost of increased noise and reduced privacy. Roderick will explore how adaptive systems respond dynamically to changing noise levels, ensuring speech remains less intelligible without creating a distracting background. Central to this discussion is the role of Sound Directionality, which influences how speech travels through a space and how effectively masking systems can be applied.
Rather than treating all sound equally, adaptive masking considers how sound behaves directionally within a room. By understanding where noise originates and how it propagates, acoustic solutions can be fine-tuned to target problem areas without over-treating the entire environment. This results in more natural-sounding spaces that support concentration, collaboration, and comfort throughout the working day.
In addition to Roderick’s talk, the conference will feature several other presentations delivered by leading experts in the field of acoustics. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights into the latest research, emerging technologies, and real-world case studies covering workplace acoustics, sound masking, and environmental noise control. For anyone involved in building design, facilities management, or audio system specification, this event represents a valuable learning opportunity and a chance to stay ahead of industry trends.
Following the conference, Roderick will spend several days visiting the offices of Sound Directions. This visit offers a unique opportunity for clients, partners, and industry professionals to meet with him in person, discuss specific acoustic challenges, and explore practical solutions. Guests will be able to tour the Sound Directions showrooms, see demonstration systems in action, and gain a deeper understanding of how sound masking and Sound Directionality are applied in real-world environments.
These informal discussions provide a rare chance to bridge theory and practice. Whether the focus is open-plan offices, meeting rooms, healthcare environments, or educational spaces, Roderick’s expertise can help clarify how different acoustic strategies work together to deliver measurable improvements. Conversations can range from system design and performance expectations to long-term adaptability and occupant experience.
At Sound Directions, we partner with leading manufacturers to deliver exceptional quality, value, reliability, and service across a wide range of audio and acoustic systems. Our team is deeply passionate about acoustics and committed to finding optimal solutions tailored to each client’s needs. By combining advanced technologies with a clear understanding of sound behaviour, including Sound Directionality, we help organisations create environments that support communication without distraction.
Whether you’re planning a new office, upgrading an existing workspace, or simply looking to improve acoustic comfort, this is an excellent opportunity to learn directly from one of the industry’s most experienced professionals. Don’t miss the chance to attend Roderick’s informative conference presentation or connect with him in person during his visit to Sound Directions. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the future of sound masking and intelligent acoustic design.