Telefunken USA

Pictured in Frank Zappa's Utility Muffin Research Kitchen are (L-R) Dweezil Zappa with a vintage Telefunken U47; Telefunken | USA CEO Toni Fishman; and Charlie Bolois, the company's West Coast service and restoration specialist. Photo by David Goggin.

Los Angeles, CA, June, 2007 - The restoration of Frank Zappa's vintage mic collection, begun in 2005, is now complete. The project began with a visit and evaluation by Telefunken | USA CEO Toni Fishman and was completed by Charlie Bolois, the company's West Coast service specialist. Zappa also took possession of a new Telefunken | USA U47, one of a new line of microphones which faithfully recreate the legendary vintage Telefunken sound.

Toni Fishman explained, "Frank Zappa had assembled a very original and complete collection of extremely rare and valuable German and Austrian microphones, unused since his death. We dismantled and carefully evaluated the condition of the mics, performed numerous minor repairs, replaced some of the tubes with NOS (New Old Stock) tubes, and then worked on mic systems integration by matching up the correct power supplies and cables.

"We went through three Telefunken U47s, four Neumann M49s, a beautiful matched pair of Neumann M50s, circa 1950, and four AKG C24s, circa 1960. We also worked on an AKG C-12A that was missing a cable and power supply and rebuilt a custom Telefunken Ela M251 using the existing capsule. It was an impressive collection, but if microphones are unused they tend to deteriorate, so we've given them a renewed life and got them up and running for Dweezil's upcoming projects."

In the second phase of the project, Zappa met with Toni Fishman and Charlie Bolois to evaluate the remaining mics and other Zappa gear. Bolois concentrated on two U67s, nicknamed "The Champ" and "Schneider" by Frank Zappa. "Neither had a power supply," explained Bolois. "First I worked with a number of Zappa cables with various problems and made two good working cables with swivel mounts. Toni Fishman provided two custom power supplies which I adjusted to the correct voltages specifically for each mic. I also replaced the tubes in both, using NOS selected for low noise and low microphonics. A third mic, a vintage M49, required repair of the original Neumann power supply, various tune-ups and a capsule replacement."

After the restoration of the microphone collection, Dweezil unearthed various family treasures, including the rare Systec Harmonic Energizer guitar pedal. Bolois restored the unit to working order and Dweezil identified it as one used by Frank in the 1970s "Roxy and Elsewhere" album period. He has incorporated it in his current "Zappa Plays Zappa" concert tour.

"There is just nothing like it, and it's definitely a treat to have this for our performances of Frank's music." It is hoped that Telefunken | USA will be able to reverse engineer and recreate the unit, as they have done with numerous vintage microphones of the past.

Among other treasures pulled out of storage is "some form of a compressor," explained Bolois. "It's definitely hand made. Somebody adapted a compressor/limiter circuit board that utilized a Telefunken device. Once we figure out what it is and get it working, we'll hear what it sounds like and take it from there..."

For more information on Dweezil Zappa and the Zappa Plays Zappa project, please visit www.zappa.com.

Bruce and Michael Seifert (pictured with their new matched pair of Telefunken USA AK 47 microphones… Just in time for Father’s Day!)

Cleveland, OH, June 17, 2007 - Having been, literally, raised in his father’s recording studio, multi-platinum award winning producer/engineer Michael Seifert developed an appreciation for high-end audio gear at an early age. More interested in making records than playing with G.I. Joe’s, Michael never missed an opportunity to sit in on Bruce’s sessions (which included work for LeVert, the O’ Jays, Trent Reznor, The Dazz Band, and Neil ZaZa among others).

Ante Up Audio (Michael’s recording and production complex located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio) houses two exquisitely designed studios, both equipped with a Neve console. A long and ever-growing list of clients includes Tori Amos, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Francis Ford Coppola, Fountains of Wayne, Chimaira, Gerald Levert, J. Mascis, Al Fatz, Robert Lockwood Jr., Chuck Mosley (Faith No More), American Greetings, MTV, Warner Brothers, Atlantic, Sony, Interscope, and countless others.

When the Seiferts set out to expand their mic collection earlier this year, they turned to the experts at Telefunken | USA. “Telefunken | USA microphones are a welcome and worthy addition to our collection,” says Bruce. “I couldn’t be happier with our Telefunken mics. They meet and even exceed the sonic quality and 'vibe' of any vintage tube mic I’ve ever owned or used… and I don’t have to sift through a dozen or more 'vintage' mics to find one that actually sounds like it’s supposed to!” adds Michael.

Two generations of audio excellence, two incredible microphones, Telefunken | USA.

Pictured in the Lolina Green studio are Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles and Matthew Sweet with a new Telefunken | USA Ela M 251F condenser tube microphone. Photo by David Goggin

Los Angeles, CA, April, 2007 - Two of pop music's all-time favorites, Susanna Hoffs and Matthew Sweet have purchased a pair of Telefunken | USA Ela M 251F microphone systems. The new mics house vintage NOS tubes with dual membrane capsules and are meticulously engineered to provide the same extraordinary sonic performance and circuitry of the highly prized vintage tube originals.

"I helped Susanna set up a ProTools studio of her own like mine," explains Sweet. "For our second album together, we are going back and forth, so it's genius for us to have the 251 in both studios."

Susanna Hoffs is famed as lead singer, rhythm guitarist and founding member of The Bangles. Sidney Matthew Sweet has been a mainstay of the pop scene since his smash 1991 debut, "Girlfriend." The two are longtime fans of each others work, performing guest vocals at each others concerts over the years, and collaborating with comedian Mike Myers as members of Austin Powers on-screen band Ming Tea in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and Austin Powers in Goldmember.

"The Telefunken | USA 251 has a rich harmonic quality in the midrange," says singer/songwriter and prolific producer Sweet. "It's just a creamy sound with a bright top, like a sheen. I love using it for harmonies because it gives something to the tops of the voices that is crystalline. But it also has a good, big bottom end, as well. I started using it on acoustic guitars and other instruments and now I use it for just about everything."

As "Sid 'n' Susie," Sweet and Hoffs explored the classic era of 60s pop music on their 2006 debut collaboration "Under The Covers." The intricate yet intimate sound of the record reveals the ease of the sessions. Recorded entirely at Sweets home facility, Lolina Green, the album features "The Warmth Of The Sun" by The Beach Boys, Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl," Pete Townsend's "The Kids Are Alright," John Phillips "Monday, Monday," and The Beatles' "And Your Bird Can Sing." Their second album for Shout! Factory will explore the pop music of the 70s.

"I first got interested in what Telefunken | USA was doing because I heard what Allen Sides had to say about their microphones," remarked Sweet. "I know Allen and I've used his vintage mics at Ocean Way and he is the real deal. For Susanna, she heard her voice with the new 251 and immediately told me she had to have this mic." Susanna adds, "It's magnificent - such presence. Just big."

"I was also very impressed with how this microphone can take sound pressure," Sweets continues. "You can get close on the mic and it's very intimate and sensitive. You can really pick out detail, perhaps because of the high-end bump it has. The magic is partly that high-end, but a large part is the tube sound that is hard to put your finger on. Maybe it's a form of very subtle harmonic distortion, but it has a richness in the midrange that is really pleasing."

Nearly a half-century after its introduction, hundreds of vintage Telefunken Ela M251/250's are in use worldwide and are still prized by engineers for their smooth vocal reproduction and sparkling high-end response. Telefunken | USA is the current manufacturer of the prized microphones and is also handling all service and parts for the vintage units.

To hear Sid 'n' Susie, visit: http://www.myspace.com/sidnsusie

Pictured in his Malibu recording studio is Peter Wolf and his pristine vintage Telefunken 250. Photo by David Goggin

Malibu, CA, March, 2007 - Austrian-born composer/producer Peter Wolf recently had his 1950s-era Telefunken 250 restored to perfect working order by Telefunken | USA. Wolf acquired the microphone nearly 30 years ago and for many years it was shown in a museum exhibit at AKG headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The two-pattern large diaphragm 250s were originally manufactured by AKG, and housed the CK-12 capsule found in the legendary AKG C-12 microphones.

"I never had the mount for the microphone or the right cable and power supply," explained Wolf. "I contacted Toni Fishman at Telefunken | USA and asked him if it was possible for him to make these missing parts for me, because it has just been sitting in my vault. He said that he could make it work perfectly because his new Telefunken mics are identical to the old 250 and 251s, which are among the best ever made by anyone."

Prolific composer, producer, songwriter and arranger Peter Wolf is responsible for an incredible 75 million in record sales and recently received the highest honors given in his native Austria, the equivalent of being knighted in England. Classically trained, at the age of 16 he won the soloist prize at the Austrian Jazz Festival. In his early 20's, he moved to America and soon joined Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention.

"Toni Fishman and his team actually made the missing parts and packaged it absolutely wonderfully," continued Wolf. "It's an amazing mic. I'm so glad that Telefunken | USA is around, because they have their heart in the right place and they are remanufacturing these priceless microphones that were pretty much the highlight of microphone making.

"I actually met one of the original engineers who worked on making these mics. He was the head man, the one who actually glued these capsules back then. My contact at AKG was Norbert Sobal, who was the heart and soul of AKG. He was the father of the 414, he developed a lot of mics and he is an enormously talented engineer and a great guy. Norbert knew the old maestro who glued the C12 capsules together. Since they were hand glued, each and every capsule was a tiny bit different. For me, it is a wonderful human quality that one capsule is just outrageously good and then another is mediocre and cannot even be sold. Telefunken | USA now revitalizes this great tradition of microphone manufacturing."

As writer and/or producer Peter Wolf has eight #1 songs to his credit and has produced, arranged and /or written with Jefferson Starship, the Commodores, Wang Chung, Go West, Heart, Patti Labelle, Santana, and Natalie Cole among numerous others. Wolf is also renowned for his scores for film and television and now is the leader of his 13-piece band PowerHaus, which features some of the most successful musicians working today.

Telefunken | USA manufactures an extensive line of classic microphones meticulously engineered to provide the same extraordinary sonic performance and circuitry of highly prized vintage tube microphones. The company offers all service and parts for the newly manufactured microphones as well as vintage AKG, Neumann, and Telefunken microphones.

South Windsor, CT, January 2007 – In Berlin, Germany 53 years ago, production of the rare VF14 tube was discontinued. After several years of research, design and prototype development, Telefunken USA is proud to announce that they have completed the first 100 test tubes of the new VF14K. Each tube has exceeded the 10000 hour long test time.

“We knew that without suitable microphone grade tubes, our effort to build the best microphones in the world would come to an end after our small inventory of NOS tubes would be gone, putting our historical replica of the U47 at risk of being discontinued. With that in mind, we began our tube development in late 2003, and after a very difficult start, we produced our first prototype tubes in late 2005. Currently, the VF14K tubes are hand-built in our laboratory, and we will do our best to implement them in our U47 microphone systems later this year. Please stay tuned for more information, pictures will come soon!”

The team at Silvia Classics has confirmed that the first production run of the new Telefunken RM-5C Ribbon mic is near completion and will begin shipping the first or second week of February. Each system will ship direct from our lab and will include a shockmount and carrying case. Now is the time to place your order for the RM-5C. $1495

Telefunken USA is also near completion on their new test research and development studio facilities. Later this spring the company will open its doors to the recording public. The new room will act as a test and demo environment for customers and mic enthusiasts. Anyone interested in hearing a new Telefunken USA mic in a shoot out against another manufacturer’s mic or our large collections of original and vintage microphones can contact us directly and set up a demonstration.

Stay tuned for more details on the initial production run of the Ela M 260 small diaphragm tube mic system and other exciting new products.

Pictured at Dave Matthews' Haunted Hollow Studios is engineer Steven Miller with the Telefunken | USA R-F-T M16 MkII large diaphragm tube microphone.

Charlottesville, VA, February 2007 - Engineer and producer Steven Miller chose a matched pair of Telefunken | USA's R-F-T M16 MkII microphones for the recording of the upcoming studio album from The Dave Matthews Band. Sequestered at Matthew's Virginia studio, the band has been tracking the follow-up to 2005's hit album, "Stand Up."

"I've known Telefunken | USA's founder Toni Fishman since he started the company six years ago," recalls Miller. "I met him at Ocean Way Recording when he was working with Allen Sides to research the recreation of prized microphones from Allen's extensive collection."

Since then, Fishman and his team have reverse engineered and recreated some of the industry's most valuable microphones, including their Ela M 250, U 47M, and the rare and legendary stereo Ela M 270. The M16 MkII is one of a new line of affordable microphones which faithfully recreate the legendary vintage Telefunken sound. The microphone features a dual-sided center-contact gold sputtered capsule and the same vintage tube used in the Telefunken Ela M 251.

"Before we started recording, I went through all the mics we had, including some very rare mics from Dave's collection," explained Miller. "But when I put up the pair of M16s as room mics, it was the perfect sound. Less cymbal splash, more low end and a rock bottom that worked exactly the way I wanted in that room. I immediately knew I had it."

After completing four tracks with the Telefunken | USA stereo matched pair, Miller brought the band in for playback. "There was one tune that really needed a rock drum sound," he continues, "and when I brought up the sound of those two mics, the band was amazed at the sound we got in their studio. 'Whoa, what's that? How did it turn into a rock sound,' they asked. I pointed out into the room at the two mics -- which ended up giving me about 80% of the total sound I wanted for the record."

Pictured in the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen with the U47 is Dweezil Zappa. Photo by David Goggin.

[top]Dweezil Zappa Picks New Telefunken U47 For New Album

Dweezil Zappa, well known for his attention to sonic excellence, chose a Telefunken | USA U47 for the recording of his new solo album of original material, which also includes music penned and previously recorded by Frank Zappa. The U47 is one of a new line microphones which faithfully recreates the legendary vintage Telefunken sound. Detailed reverse engineering has resulted in meticulous reissues of the classic Telefunken microphones.

In addition to acquiring the new version of the classic U47, Zappa met with the company's founder, Toni Fishman to examine and evaluate Frank Zappa's collection of vintage microphones, some of which have been unused since the early 90s.

Fishman explained, "Frank Zappa had assembled a very original and complete collection of extremely rare and valuable German and Austrian microphones. We dismantled and carefully evaluated the condition of the mics, performed numerous minor repairs, replaced some of the tubes with NOS (New Old Stock) tubes, and then worked on mic systems integration by matching up the correct power supplies and cables. In total, we went through three Telefunken U47s, four Neumann M49s, and a beautiful matched pair of Neumann M50s, circa 1950 and four AKG C24s, circa 1960. We also worked on an AKG C-12A that was missing a cable and power supply and rebuilt a custom Telefunken Ela M251 using the existing capsule. It was an impressive collection, but if microphones are unused they tend to deteriorate, so we've given them a renewed life and got them up and running for Dweezil's upcoming projects."

Zappa added, "It's amazing how same-model microphones have very distinct characteristics, because of the subtleties of the capsules and the choice and condition of the tubes. The new Telefunken | USA U47 is a very finely crafted mic which fits beautifully into the collection that Frank put together."

The new Dweezil Zappa album, Go With What You Know, is available at www.zappa.com.

Pictured (L-R) at Harvest Sound Studios are Ringside drummer Norm Block with a rare vintage Telefunken Ela M 250 E and singer/songwriter Scott Thomas with the newly manufactured Telefunken | USA Ela M 251. Photo by David Goggin.

Los Angeles, CA, November, 2006 - Ringside, whose self-titled debut on Geffen Records yielded the hit single "Tired of Being Sorry," and the track "Struggle," which has become a widely heard jingle for Pontiac, is now in the studio working on their sophomore effort. The band is using two Telefunken microphones, one a rare 1950s vintage 250E two-pattern version, and the other a new Telefunken | USA 251E three-pattern model manufactured to original specs.

"There are no new microphones out there that compare with the ones from Telefunken | USA," says lead singer Scott Thomas, whose distinctive gritty singing style is well-suited to the newly manufactured tube microphone. "It's perfect for my voice and I'm using it for my guitar, too. It's my main mic in the studio now and I really don't need much more."

Ringside drummer Norm Block recently discovered a vintage Telefunken 250E on eBay, and has contracted Telefunken | USA to refurbish the mic and fabricate a vintage style power supply and cabling. "We did a preliminary test and the old mic has a darker sound which is very cool," says Block. "It's been kicked around for a few decades, so we're looking forward to getting it properly powered up and experimenting with it."

During the recent 2006 AES convention in San Francisco, the 1959 Telefunken Ela M251 was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame. Nearly a half-century after its introduction, hundreds of vintage Telefunken Ela M251/250's are in use worldwide and are still prized by engineers for their smooth vocal reproduction and sparkling high-end response. Telefunken | USA is the current manufacturer of the prized microphones and is also handling all service and parts for the vintage units.

Pictured with the new RM-5C are (L-R) Telefunken | USA™ CEO Toni Fishman with Jerry Silvia and David Browning of Silvia Classics Microphones. Photo by David Goggin.

[top]Telefunken | USA™ Introduces RM-5C Ribbon Microphone
Company's First Ribbon Microphone Announced at AES2006

San Francisco, CA, October, 2006 -- At the recent AES 2006 Convention in San Francisco, Telefunken | USA™ introduced the company's first ribbon microphone, the RM-5C. Telefunken states that the new mic, designed by Jerry Silvia and David Browning of Silvia Classics Microphones, represents a technical breakthrough in ribbon microphone construction. Using cutting-edge magnetic materials and innovative acoustic design, the output characteristics of the RM-5C are said to be better suited for modern recording techniques than traditional ribbon mics. It offers a highly directional cardioid pickup pattern, elevated output levels and wider frequency response for matching up well with any high quality mic preamp.

The Telefunken | USA™ RM-5C was physically inspired by the classic RCA BK5, but is not a copy of that microphone. Using the original mid-20th century design as a starting point, Silvia Classics and Telefunken | USA™ updated the older ribbon design using advanced materials and modern technological developments.

Pictured at AES2006 are (L-R) Joe Wallace of GearWire and Toni Fishman of Telefunken | USA™. Toni shows the modularity of the Ela M 251 microphone in an exclusive interview.

[top]Telefunken | USA™ Ela M 251 Microphone "Uncovered" in GearWire Interview
CEO Toni Fishman Discusses Ela M 251 Microphone, its Manufacturing Process, and its Other Microphone in Exclusive Interview with GearWire

Toni Fishman offered Gearwire.com an inside peek into the design and construction of the legendary Ela M 251 microphone, as well as a discussion on other aspects of microphone design, at this year's AES conference in San Francisco, CA.

From Gearwire.com:

"Telefunken USA dishes on its mics aimed at the home studio user, their famous hand-assembled manufacturing on some models, and what the company does to reduce prices on other versions. Ever wondered what the difference is between those 'high-end' mics and the more inexpensive models made by the same company? Telefunken spills a few 'secrets' in this exclusive Gearwire interview. Check out Gearwire's Telefunken USA interview video from AES 2006 to learn more."

View the exclusive interview at GearWire.

Pictured in his LA Studio is Matt Scannell. Photo by David Goggin.

[top]Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon Chooses Telefunken | USA™ Ela M 250
Two-Pattern Version of Legendary Tube Microphone

Los Angeles, CA - September 25, 2006 - Matt Scannell, songwriter, lead vocalist and guitarist for Vertical Horizon, has purchased the new Telefunken | USA Ela M250 for the recording of the band's upcoming album.

"It's the best mic I've ever sung through, and I've sung through original Telefunken microphones which can cost $30,000," says Scannell. "As far as the characteristics of the mic, it has great presence and a beautiful top end that speaks so well in the track. If you want the sound of those great classic rock and roll records you need to get the great gear. Fortunately, Telefunken USA has done such a magnificent job on these mics that you don't have to go and buy the old expensive ones."

Vertical Horizon, formed in 1992, achieved double-Platinum sales for their major label debut, 1999's "Everything You Want." The album spawned numerous hit singles, and was followed in 2003 with the equally impressive "Go." Matt Scannell recently set up his new LA recording studio, which houses a Pro Tools HD Accel system and a treasure trove of vintage guitars and guitar amplifiers.

"Another thing I love about this mic," Scannell continues, "is that you can sing very aggressively and it doesn't break up. It also takes EQ incredibly well. With other microphones if I added some high end shimmer, it would get abrasive and sibilant and nasty. The 250 has this quality that sounds right wherever you have it in the track."

Originally marketed in 1959 by Telefunken of Germany, the Ela M250 is a two-pattern (cardioid and omni) version of the famous Ela M251, and shares the same extraordinary sonic performance and circuitry of the most sought after of vintage tube microphones.

"When I set this microphone up for the first time and started singing through it I was good to go. I actually had rented an original Telefunken at the time and the original sounded darker and kind of tired. You have to give those mics a break - they have been doing some great work for a long time. But this new one is a spectacular microphone."

Alicia Keys at The Oven with the R-F-T M16MkII Photo: Bradford Noble

South Windsor, CT - June 2006 - The Telefunken USA Ela M 270, Ela M 251, U47 M and R-F-T M16MkII microphones have all been mentioned in the June issue of EQ Magazine. This month's "The Studio Issue" features a fantastic article about Alicia Keys and her New York studio The Oven, where engineer Ann Mincieli has been using an R-F-T M16MkII on Alicia's vocals, and the stereo Ela M 270 on grand piano. Click here [PDF, 505kb] to read the entire article .

Engineer / Producer Jeff Glixman of Star City Recording has been using a new Telefunken U47 M with NOS VF14 tube as his main microphone for recording vocals. He loved his U47 so much that Star City has recently purchased a second for their Bethlehem, PA facility. Click here [PDF, 596kb] to read the entire article.

Producer Rob Lewis also mentioned using the Telefunken Ela M 251 for tracking vocals with pop sensation Christina Aguilera at Chalice Recording. Click here [PDF, 73kb] to read the article .

[top]John "Goldfinger" Feldmann Chooses Telefunken | USA™ Matched Pair
Warner Bros. A&R Producer Records with new Ela M16 MkII Mics

Pictured in his LA studio is producer/engineer John Feldmann and his matched pair of Telefunken USA microphones. Photo: David Goggin

Los Angeles, CA - June 6, 2006 - John Feldman, frontman of the enduring band Goldfinger, has purchased a perfectly matched pair of Telefunken | USA's new R-F-T M16 MkII microphones for his Foxy Studios in LA. The M16 is one of a new line of affordable microphones which faithfully recreate the legendary vintage Telefunken sound.

"After auditioning more than 30 microphones, I finally settled on these new Telefunken mics," explains Feldmann. "We do a lot of recording here at Foxy Studios and I especially wanted a dedicated pair of overhead mics for the drums. These M16s have a very warm, very organic sound with a real nice top end. For instance, with the cymbals I don't have to spend so much time mixing every splash and little ride bell. It's all there, and with a matched pair I am getting beautifully balanced stereo imagery."

Telefunken | USA's new microphones provide an exceptionally clean and warm tone, substantial gain, extraordinary low end and extended high frequency response, while preserving the classic tube sound Telefunken microphones are known for. Telefunken USA's new line of R-F-T large diaphragm condenser microphones offers a lower cost alternative to the renowned Telefunken | USA microphones which have gained popularity among today's top producers, engineers and musicians.

As one of LA's most successful A&R executives, Feldmann has signed, produced, engineered and mixed such Platinum groups as The Used and Story of the Year. He has also engineered, produced and co-written with artists such as Good Charlotte and Hillary Duff. After playing 385 Goldfinger shows in 1996, Feldmann and his band broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the most shows ever in one year for a touring band.

Feldmann uses a Manley 2-channel all tube mic preamplifier for his M16s. His Pro tools HD-equipped studio houses racks and racks of vintage outboard gear, as well as new staples like the Universal Audio 6176 reissue compressor/limiter. Monitors include Genelec 1031s, Yamaha NS-10s, Aurotones, and large Dynaudio Acoustics AIR 25s. "When the label is here with the band and we're listening to my mixes," Feldman remarks, "I crank up the Dynaudio's because I don't want them talking to each other. They can appreciate the detail I get with these new Telefunken mics."