Dev Electronics – India’s Most Preferred Pro Audio Technologies partner!
Director Dilip Devjani with his team at Dev Electronics
Success can be elusive for many trying to make their presence felt in an increasingly crowded pro audio marketplace of channel partners, distributors, and dealers. This naturally entails embodying a certain boldness of spirit, which down the years Dev Electronics has proved it has in abundance.
In this article, PT traces how Mumbai based Dev Electronics grew from an ambitious younger player in the live sound industry three decades ago to one of the largest single-window source point for rental companies, installers and music production professionals in the pro audio market.
Since the last three decades, Dev Electronics has led the constantly evolving pro audio industry by procuring products that deliver industry-leading quality, reliability, and performance. With unparalleled knowledge and expertise, Dev has become the foremost choice for rental companies, systems integrators, and music professionals having created an ideal one-stop sourcing solution for the industry.
Very few audio companies are aggressively pushing partner brands into the market with quite so much energy and zeal. Spearheaded by Directors Vinod Devjani, Kirti Devjani, and Dilip Devjani, the tech-savvy team delivering consistent after-sales support and improved user experience has ensured that rental companies, systems integrators, and music professionals turn to Dev Electronics for superior quality, ease-of-installation, and versatility.
ABOUT DEV ELECTRONICS
Operating out of two key locations in India, namely Mumbai (Head office) and New Delhi, DEV ELECTRONICS has built an unmatched legacy as the comprehensive technology solutions provider for all professional audio requirements across application segments.
The Dev Electronics story finds its roots in humble beginnings. Starting off as a small-time sound solution provider, Dev Electronics has now grown to become India’s leading name for pro audio solutions across industry sectors like live sound rental, system integration, install sound, DJ applications and music production; with phenomenal growth and progress in the B2B sector In terms of distribution and sales of world class pro audio brands, territorially and across India.
Currently, Dev Electronics carries an overabundance of product lines ranging from boutique and high-end world class technology to entry level gear, providing ready accessibility to choose a truly customized solution that suits every pro audio need perfectly. Moreover, the company offers this widest range of professional audio products at unmatched prices, backed by an unparalleled sales experience, with superior after-sales customer service and technical support. The company’s in-house team of highly experienced and highly skilled professionals offer valuable insight into the products they sell, with the Dev team assisting with all kinds of project needs and requirements — big or small. At the same time, Dev Electronics boasts an extremely strong network of dealers and channel partners spread across the expanse of the country. The company’s continual growth and success can be largely attributed to its superb stocking capacity and timely delivery of products, all thanks to its unparalleled network of distribution and supply that extends across the length and breadth of the country. In addition, its associate companies – Dev Pro Sound, Dev Pro Sales, and Proline – have a crucial role to play in this mix.
Dev Pro Sound is the associate arm of Dev Electronics located in Delhi, which manages the company’s operation of distribution, sales, support, and service of the entire range of professional audio brands and products across the entire Northern and North Eastern region of India.
Dev Pro Sales is the associate arm of Dev Electronics located in Mumbai, which manages the company’s operations of dealing in Audio-Video Solutions (Pro AV solutions), Automation, Projectors and Projector peripherals, Studio Applications, Prosumer Applications (High End Home Theatres etc.), CCTV Camera and other Prosumer based products.
Proline is the associate arm that meets Dev Electronics’ goal to represent and distribute fresh and new world class professional audio brands, both territorially as well as across the country. At the current moment, Proline is the official distributor of Wharfedale Professional on a PAN India basis and Krystal Cables & Connectors territorially for the western region.
Dev Electronics has also garnered repute for providing quick and efficient after-sales service thanks to its in-house service and repairs facility, aptly named Dev Tech. Dev Tech is responsible for upholding the company’s high-standards of customer service and support assurance.
BRAND POWER
As sole distributors of power brands like PowerX and Wharfedale Professional, premier sales partner of brands like Eighteen Sound, Shure, Sennheiser, Behringer, RCF, Allen & Heath, NX Audio, Dynatech, etc., and authorized regional distributors for brands like Pioneer DJ, Yamaha, Harman Group, QSC, Studiomaster and more, Dev Electronics has the perfect blend of an ever-expansive product portfolio and richly experienced personnel, providing users with ready accessibility to choose from an extended product line.
“Dev Electronics has been our partner for over a decade now. Their Harman Professional Solutions product mix mainly comprises of retail products such as P.A. Systems (portable and otherwise), microphones, signal processors, crossovers, aside from a sizeable share in the install-driven product categories as well”, commented Prashant Govindan, Sr. Director, Harman Professional Solutions, India & SAARC.
ENVIABLE LIST OF INVENTORY
The company’s inventory includes everything from amplifiers, line arrays, mixers, signal processing units, DJ gears like controllers, media players, mixers, turntables, and DJ headphones to headphones specialized for studio, studio monitor as well wireless. Studio gears include samplers, synthesizers, studio microphones, and studio monitors.
Dev Electronics was responsible for the sale of Asia’s first Tour One Set from PioneerDj to DJ Chetas - a monumental achievement that has established Dev Electronics as a preferred destination for purchase of premier DJ products from PioneerDJ.
Furthermore, FocusVision purchased the VTX 25 set up from Dev, with Sachin Nasre, MD & CEO commenting, “We have been dealing with Dev Electronics since the past six years and as always they have been really helpful in whatever we have purchased and have always delivered on time. When we purchased the VTX 25, Dev offered me a credit period of 18 months or so to pay the amount, so in that way they have helped us a lot”.
Zura Braganza of Mumbai based premier rental company Rich Audio is another happy customer, as he speaks of his recent purchase of the Soundcraft VI3000 console from Dev Electronics saying, “The thing about choosing to purchase from Dev Electronics is that you have so many options of amazing world-class gear to choose from. Moreover, the team is very helpful and accommodating in every aspect. In addition to choice, they give you every opportunity to have a look and feel of the product through demos, and as a customer that’s very reassuring. It’s always a great experience working with Dilipbhai and the entire Dev Electronics team!”
Potential clients and interested buyers can enjoy the look, feel, and performance of these products at Dev Electronics’ in-house demo room, which is a plush acoustically treated space that houses products from the various brands that Dev represents. The plush demo room has often played a decisive role in helping customers lock down on their purchase decisions; and has helped Dev Electronics in winning the trust and faith of buyers and audio professionals, as it has given them the most appropriate space and opportunity to test the performance of a product before finalizing purchase decisions. The demo room has also played host to several seminars, workshops, and informative sessions that Dev has organized in conjunction with their pro audio brand partners; with the sessions always enjoying a very encouraging response in terms of crowd participation and purchase inquiries.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
In addition to the well-stocked inventory and complete pre-sales and sales support; customers across the country enjoy prompt assistance from Dev with seasoned technical experts providing timely on-site support whenever the need arises. The company’s well-equipped inventory of spares and components coupled with state-of-the-art maintenance and utility infrastructure means that customers can access product support at any time with the assurance of timely service and repairs.
“Electrocraft has been dealing with Dev Electronics for the past 20 years. Over the years we have found Dev to be extremely reliable, friendly and most importantly service-oriented with competitive pricing”, says Roger Drego, Managing Director, Electrocraft.
Manish Mavani, Director, SNL Pro, who has been doing business with Dev Electronics for close to five years in audio products, mentions them as being extremely professional and reliable adhering diligently to timely deliveries and commitments.
CUSTOMER FIRST
Consistency in providing an excellent business experience has led to Dev Electronics expanding its reach to encompass all four regions of the country. Today, Dev boasts of an unparalleled network of dealers even extending their reach to Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities. They have been enjoying access to an expansive list of channel partners that include renowned DJs, veteran sound engineers, premier system integrators, reputed installers and music production specialists all of whom choose to do business with Dev repeatedly.
“Since the past 14 years, we have been dealing with Dev Electronics in brands like JBL, Yamaha, Shure, Sennheiser, AKG, JTS, and many more”, commented Prakash Ahuja, Proprietor, Roshini Audiomatics.
The ideology of ‘putting customers first’ has ensured that clients from across the country expect a uniform unparalleled business experience that’s characteristic only to Dev.
Commenting on his experience dealing with Dev Electronics, Vipul Patel, Managing Director, Systems Architect & Engineers, says, “We have been dealing with Dev for close to five years now and have found them to be very prompt, to the point, excellent and with competitive prices.”
INFORMATIVE SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS
It comes as no surprise that Dev believes in establishing a truly meaningful connection with not just its customers and partners, but with the industry at large; Dev Electronics has consistently made a conscious effort to interact with industry personnel within their local market. The company has looked to provide qualitative benefits to industry professionals across the country by often conducting roadshows and informative workshops for brands like Harman Professionals, Yamaha, Pioneer DJ, Power X and Wharfedale, commonly held in partnership with their local dealers, in an effort to spread awareness about the enhancements in products and technologies, and to share vital information on trade skills and aptitude.
For instance, QSC and Dev Electronics proudly launched the new KS118 high output active subwoofer that promises impressive low frequencies for mobile entertainers, AV production, and clubs/venues applications.
“The partnership between QSC and Dev Electronics has been consistent because of our flexibility to understand and comprehend the requirements of our consumers. Dev Electronics has a very efficient team with good knowldge of the audio industry and updated technical specifications of the products. For instance, on our recent launch of sub-woofer KS118, Dev Electronics arranged for a workshop to offer first-hand experience to the consumers. In a short time, the team at Dev was equipped with unique features of KS118 and handled many queries made by the guests,” said Deepak Gracias, Director Operations - QSC, India
“Dev Electronics and QSC are committed to providing the latest technology, prompt customer service, and up to date knowledge. These kinds of initiatives are very useful and recommended as a must-visit for every pro audio professional,” reiterated Dilip Devjani, Director - Dev Electronics.
Dev Electronics has also conducted workshops and events for Pioneer DJ that spotlighted Pioneer DJ’s acclaimed products, technologies, and Masterclass sessions with DJ Mash and DJ Skip providing in-depth knowledge into the workings, features, and controls of software using Pioneer DJ’s CDJ 2000 nexus2, Pioneer DJ Controllers and Pioneer DJ Toriaz SP16 Samplers and sequencers.
Dilip Devjani expressed his views as he quoted, “As the official distribution partners of Pioneer DJ for western India, our goal has always been to connect the with ever growing DJ community in the region”.
Participation in industry trade shows is another aspect of extending support to the overall growth of the industry. With their value-added support, over the years Dev Electronics has increasingly become the choice for industry-leading pro audio brands.
SUCCESS SPEAKS
A lineage of success has been built on the merit of delivering a truly sublime customer experience, by offering the widest range of professional audio-video-lighting products at unmatched prices, and backing it up with superior after-sales service and timely technical support; making Dev the go-to source point for pro audio professionals across India.
Tony Gouria, DJ, and Sound Engineer, who purchased the HDL 30 RCF set up from Dev Electronics said, “I have been dealing with Dev since the last five years, it has no doubt been a wonderful experience. We purchase all our Pioneer products from Dev and so far we have never had any issues with them. We will continue to rely on Dev for our purchases; just one call and my things are organized by them”.
Titu Kulkarni - a reputed sound solutions provider from Mumbai who is a regular Dev Electronics patron and who has recently purchased an elaborate Ancient wireless microphone system from Shure - added his thoughts saying “The experience of doing business with Dev is always so pleasant and simple. The entire team is very experienced and knowledgeable; and you can absolutely count on them to offer you the smoothest purchase and procurement experience. This is why I choose to do business with Dev Electronics, and will continue to do so in the future as well!”
Over the years, the company has expanded its dealership network, channel partners and SI partner network across India with extremely strong overall partner presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Dev Electronics has also reported a consistent year on year average growth value of 10% in sales performance as recorded from 2013 to date, with 100% growth rate recorded in 2015 and 2016 for brands like Wharfedale Professional, PioneerDJ, PowerX and Harman Professional. The company has also been recognized as the most successful distribution partner for Harman Professional India with exceeding sales targets by over 5%.
“Over the last four years or so, the value of our partnership has grown four-fold. This hardly comes as a surprise considering that Dilip Devjani firmly believes in ending a meeting only after ensuring that something meaningful has come out of it. Suffice to say that it is always a pleasure working with Dev Electronics,” sums up Prashant Govindan.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
The senior management at the company aren’t discreet about their plans for the future, as the agenda is quite clear in terms of expanding the Dev Electronics brand across India by increasing direct presence in key geographical regions like the South and the East. The company is also confident of maintaining the Demand-Supply dynamic at the highest level of commitment towards the various brands that they represent, and of-course, towards the end customer as well. Dev Electronics will continue to provide the market with the latest and the best in the widest range of pro audio products and services at unbeatable prices and package deals. Moreover, the company plans to further enhance the service and support structure extended to dealers, partners, and end customers by setting up more, better equipped, and adequately stocked key service centers across the country that will provide timely and high-quality technical support, service, & repairs; and by participating in and promoting initiatives like workshops, seminars, roadshows etc.