Studio Microphone Guru Toni Roger Fishman CEO of Telefunken Elektroakustik dies at 55 years old (RIP)

Professional Pro Audio Manufacturer CEO has passed away at just 55yrs old

Toni Roger Fishman, tube microphone visionary and founder of pioneering microphone company TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, passed away on July 12, 2024, at his vacation home near company headquarters in South Windsor, Connecticut.  He was only 55 years old. He and his family would take his boat out on the lake, have bands play, and have a fireworks display for the fourth of July.

Not much is known about Fishman's death but his passing is a significant loss within the pro audio gear community and the world of studio and live microphone equipment. Toni often talked about mental awareness and was a big part of the way he conducted his life and business. We sure hope this was not a factor in his death.  Toni was truly a gifted human being.

The Telefunken Company released a statement saying they will continue the legacy and vision of developing products as Toni envisioned it going forward. Toni's father Herbert Fishman was also a prominent businessman and became well-known on the East Coast as an innovator in roofing and commercial roof projects including one project at Yale University and another at the JCPenney distribution center in Manchester CT. 

From Concert Taper to Microphone Innovator

Toni Fishman’s passion for sound began in his early days as a concert taper, capturing performances of iconic bands like the Grateful Dead and Phish. His quest for superior sound quality led him to explore microphone technology, particularly those made by Telefunken.  He was a very humble and passionate person and wanted to do somthing great that would give good vibrations to many people.

Recognizing a niche in the market for vintage microphones, Toni founded his first business Vintage Tones where he would get into making microphone parts, switches, and higher-end audio components. He initially was facing challenges in sustaining the business due to online competition. 

His breakthrough came when he acquired equipment from Warner-Reprise studios, including prized Telefunken ELA M 251 microphones.  He then began to develop a better switch as a replacement and other key components. The original Switches would get dried out by the vacuum tube heat.  

He brought these newly developed parts to NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) and people became interested in what he was doing and the manufacturing of Telefunken vintage parts and Microphones.  Then he began extensive research in how to acquire the old brand Telefunken which had been around since 1903.  He also acquired the Fairchild trademark from Fairchild Semiconductors and another company. 

Driven by his passion and expertise, Toni Fishman revived Telefunken in North America, establishing Telefunken Elektroakustik in 2001. To obtain the trademark and revive Telefunken he had to make and sell certain products regularly to reestablish its brand's trademark. 

Toni was a bright and gifted businessman like his father.  His commitment to quality and innovation quickly made Telefunken microphones a staple in the music industry, used by renowned artists worldwide. 

Telefunken Mics are used by a wide variety of artists from Chris Brown, Norah Jones, Jack White, Rick Rubin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and John Frusciante.

All of the Telefunken Diamond series and even the dynamic Microphones are all made in the Connecticut Facility and he employed 30 to 40 employees to build everything in the USA.

World Wide Brand

Eventually, Toni moved the entire operation into a 30 thousand square feet facility that was broken up into 3 parts.  Part one was the pro audio equipment and microphone manufacturing facility. Then another large portion is the testing facility.  This really dives into making sure every Telefunken microphone is top-notch. Then finally 3 full recording studios and a live sound stage where some events are held in a 240-capacity venue. He would also bring microphones out to festivals and events to let people use them to get some real field feedback.

By the spring of 2020, Telefunken and Toni's team were shipping mics to 117 countries worldwide and exclusive dealers. The Alchemy Series, microphones, are his latest design.  These are a workhorse cardioid studio tube microphone with a reputation for outstanding sonic performance and value. 

Capable of accurately and honestly capturing vocals,  However instead of a fixed soldered vacuum tube which had to be sent back to the factory to have the tube replaced like the old ones, he would develop a plug and play exchangeable Vacuum tube that could be reinstalled in minutes by any user around the world. 

Then Green Day Released the MTV's Best Rock video Award 21 Guns video in 2009 that related to metal health, using all of Toni's Telefunken microphones in the video. This video really launched the brand into super vibration mode, It exploded across the globe to other major artists and thousands of local talent.

The Massive hit also garnered MTV Video Music Awards for Best Direction (Marc Webb) and Best Cinematography (Jonathan Sela)

Color For Causes

One of the more amazing things Toni did with Telefunken was create "Color For Causes".  This was how the microphones he developed came to be painted many different colors, from Purple, Pink, Orange other very cool and new colors. Microphones were never seen like this before and launched the brand in a new innovative direction. 

Pink was the first color for Breast Cancer awareness. Toni and his team would donate proceeds from the sales of the microphones to Breast Cancer research and  501c Organizations.  This was a huge part of what Toni Fishman was all about, a passion to help others.

May is Mental Awarness month so Toni developed the acid green M-80 Microphone that is so super cool and part of the proceeds for the sale of these mics is donated to a very unique orginization called Backline Cares. Backlinecares.com is a non-profit agency dedicated to helping musicians and the sound engineer community that need help with mental health support and have a place to turn for help if needed.

The Orange Telefunken M-80 was developed to benefit (MS) Multiple Sclerosis patients and to bring awareness to that as well. This is why Telefunken Elecktroakustik was much more than just a microphone company. It was an entire culture within the company..  He also made an American Flag M81 Telefunken Microphone for Bob Wier and other specialty microphone paint jobs.

Love for Race Cars

Beyond Microphones Toni had a passion for music and for racing race cars like the Porche  GT3 on different race tracks. He also did a lot with restoring exotic and rare car brands like Targa and others and bringing them to Car Shows. He then developed Telefunken Motorsports and got heavily involved in Dream Ride in Farmington CT.  A large Family event that raises money for kids and the Special Olympics. Toni also restored other classic car models and integrated his passion for audio into their design, ensuring they produced impeccable sound quality.

Toni Fishman Leaves a Legacy in Pro Microphone Audio

Toni Fishman’s impact on the audio industry is undeniable. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a passion for superior sound and excellence, shaped Telefunken Elektroakustik into a leading brand.

Not just us here at Echotone Music LLC, but the entire audio community remembers Toni Fishman for his contributions and innovations that continue to resonate in the world of music and beyond. He will be very missed by so many people. 

So let's give Toni a 21-gun salute for all he did for music and for so many people who benefited from his generous wit and giving nature.