Verband Deutscher Tonmeister

[1][2] The VDT has evolved from the Deutsche Filmtonmeister-Vereinigung (which focused on film sound professionals) that was founded in Munich in 1950.

[3] There are currently more than 1900 members[4] in the VDT that are either freelancers or employed in various institutions; e.g. in the film business, radio broadcasting, television, recording studios, record labels, theaters and performance venues, the audio equipment producing industry, research and development, multimedia education and other audio related areas of occupation.

Thematically the goals and activities of the VDT are related to those of the Audio Engineering Society (AES), even if there is no formal connection.

Since 2002 the VDT also bestows a medal of honour[10] on members who have rendered outstanding services to the profession of sound engineers and the audio industry.

Prominent recipients are Peter K. Burkowitz[11] (developer of the REDD mixing console at EMI's Abbey Road Studios; writer of the technical part of Recording the Beatles), David Griesinger (of Lexicon) and Eberhard Sengpiel.