Humble beginnings in the heart of Kolkata: Battery eliminators were the bread and butter then in the late '60s, for Sonodyne Electronics Co. Pvt. Ltd. Then came the '70s, and the release of Sonodyne hifi stereo amplifiers and speakers. These were met with resounding success all over India. So much so that it laid the pathway for the development of Indian first organized audio R&D laboratory, in Kolkata. Loudspeakers, and turntables hit the market in the mid '70s, and component audio systems, in the mid 80s…Sonodyne and hi fi had arrived.

During this pioneering period, Ashoke Mukherjee also gained accolades as a designer and as an entrepreneur. He represented India in several international conventions, and initiated, in the early '80s, a 100% export oriented division, in Special Economic Zone, Mumbai to manufacture professional audio, and power electronics equipment. In addition the unit also hosted a DSIR (Govt of India recognized) lab. Soon we were not only manufacturing but also designing and developing turnkey projects for many OEMs.

Sonodyne’s core strength is research. With over 40 engineers and technicians in its 2 labs (in Kolkata and Mumbai), and having received 2 Govt. of India research grants, Sonodyne’s labs are a cradle for innovation. These labs not only design for OEM, but also for Sonodyne branded products for the following market segments: High-end home audio; studio monitoring, PA and BGM, and professional audio.

In India Sonodyne is a strong brand name with sales and projects offices in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata, and showrooms (for high end home audio) in Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. Internationally, the studio monitors are distributed in Singapore (and the ASEAN region), Germany, Holland, Sweden, Greece, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, with at least 6 more countries coming on board following the recently concluded Pro Light and Sound Frankfurt 2007. For BGM and Pro products also international distribution shall initiate by next quarter.

To cater to the growing demands, a new factory has been established at SEZ, Kolkata. This is a self-contained manufacturing unit with in house aluminum die-casting, CNC, woodworking, SMT, painting, anodizing, and computer aided design, measurement, testing, and assembly. This was needed to ensure global competitiveness and consistency not only in supply but also in quality and pricing.

With focus on research and innovation, and equipped with in house tools, Sonodyne now has the ideal combination to consistently bring new and exciting products to the marketplace. Some examples are our critically acclaimed high-end hi fi aluminum extruded speakers (Avant), aluminum die cast active studio monitors (SM series), and fibre glass moulded light weight line arrays (CLA series). Extensive efforts have already been invested in DSP and network controlled audio, lightweight amplification, and also wireless technologies. We expect many more exciting products for both home and professional audio in the coming months.

Creativity remains the driving factor in Sonodyne. Now, aided by industry standard design and development tools, it is quicker to realize the end results of this creativity. Innovation still spurs us on. To look at things in a manner more effective, more optimal, remains our cornerstone. As India's pioneering audio equipment manufacturer, our aim is to introduce new technologies and solutions, not only for the Indian market but also the global arena.

In recognition of his contribution to audio engineering and for his efforts in successfully creating global markets, Ashoke Mukherjee was declared ‘Electronics Man of the Year- 2005.’