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                                                                 Exhibit 10.4(a)



                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into this
14th day of April, 2003 by and between RAYMOND V. MALPOCHER ("Executive") and
TELEX COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Telex" or the "Company").

1.       Employment.

         For the period set forth in Section 2 below (the Period of Employment),
and upon the other terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement Telex hereby
employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with Telex, as
Telex's President and Chief Executive Officer.

2.       Period of Employment.

         The Period of Employment shall commence on or about May 1, 2003 and,
subject only to the provisions of Sections 9, 10, 11 and 12 below, shall
continue for four (4) years. Unless sooner terminated in accordance with
Sections 9, 10, 11 and 12, this Agreement shall terminate without notice by
either party to the other on the fourth anniversary of the commencement of the
Period of Employment, and Executive shall continue his employment with the
Company thereafter on an employment-at-will basis.

3.       The Position.

         During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be subject to the
direction of the Board of Directors of Telex, and shall have the duties and
responsibilities appropriate to the positions held by Executive.

4.       Duties.

         Throughout the Period of Employment, Executive agrees to devote
Executive's full time and undivided attention during normal business hours to
the business and affairs of Telex and, in particular, to performance of all the
duties and responsibilities as President and Chief Executive Officer of Telex,
except for reasonable vacations and illness; but nothing in this Agreement shall
preclude Executive from devoting reasonable periods required for engaging in
charitable and community activities, and managing Executive's personal
investments, provided that such activities do not, individually or together,
interfere with the regular performance of Executive's duties and
responsibilities under this Agreement and do not in any way conflict with
Telex's interests.


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5.       Compensation.

         For all services to be rendered by Executive pursuant to this Agreement
during the Period of Employment by Telex:

         a. Executive shall be paid a base annual salary of $350,000 payable at
the same intervals at which the Company's executives are paid, but in no event
less frequently than monthly, plus any increase in base salary as determined by
the Board of Directors of the Company from time to time; and

         b. Executive shall participate in the Management Incentive Compensation
("MIC") Plan as approved by the Company's Board of Directors, the terms of which
shall be substantially the same as the terms set forth in Schedule A. Payments
of amounts earned, including the minimum payment in respect of the 2003 MIC plan
(described below), shall be made at the same time as all other payments under
the MIC Plan are made. For the period from the commencement of his employment
through December 31, 2003, Executive shall participate in the MIC Plan, on a pro
rata basis; provided, however, that Executive shall be entitled to a minimum
payment pursuant to such plan of $100,000. Executive must be an employee of the
Company at year end in order to receive the payment of amounts due pursuant to
the MIC Plan.

6.       Provisions for Perquisites.

         During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to
perquisites (including an appropriate office, and secretarial or clerical staff)
and fringe benefits accorded generally to senior executive officers of Telex
pursuant to its policies, as well as to reimbursement, upon proper accounting
and subject to compliance with Telex policies, of reasonable expenses and
disbursements incurred by Executive in the course of Executive's duties. In
addition, the Company shall permit Executive to and shall reimburse Executive
for travel in 'business class' for international flights.

7.       Employment Benefits.

         a. Executive, and, where applicable, Executive's dependents, shall also
be entitled to participate in, be covered by and receive benefits under such
retirement and health and welfare plans as are generally made available to
officers of Telex and their dependents and beneficiaries. Executive, and, where
applicable, his spouse and his dependents, shall also be entitled to all
payments or other benefits under any such plan subsequent to the Period of
Employment as a result of participation in such plan during the Period of
Employment, as provided in such plans.

         b. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to four weeks' vacation per
year. Executive may take such vacation at such time so as not to interfere
unreasonably with the business of Telex. Executive may carry forward, to the
next calendar year, up to one


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full years' vacation accrual while continuing to accrue vacation at the
applicable base salary rate during the current calendar year.

         c. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to develop a plan pursuant
to which Executive can elect to defer a portion of his cash compensation. An
election to defer compensation pursuant to such plan will make the Executive a
creditor of the Company for the amounts deferred thereunder.

         d. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Telex from amending or
terminating any employee benefit plan or practice.

8.       Stock Purchase.

         Executive shall purchase 200,000 units ("Units") at a purchase price of
$0.45 per Unit. Each Unit shall consist of one share of unregistered common
stock of Telex, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock") and one-half of an
option ("Option"). An Option is the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a
share of Common Stock at a price of $15 per share for a period of five (5)
years. The Units will be purchased pursuant to and upon completion of a mutually
acceptable restricted stock and option agreements containing terms customary and
typical of such agreements, including restrictions on transfer.

         Executive shall file an IRS Section 83(b) election with respect to such
stock purchase within thirty (30) days of such purchase. Executive's purchase of
the Units shall be subject to the optional repurchase of such Units, free and
clear of all liens, by Telex in the 90 days following any termination of
employment (including as a result of Executive's death or Disability) (the date
Executive ceases to be employed being the "Termination Date") at a price equal
to the original purchase price, pursuant to the following schedule:

      If Termination Date Occurs:         Number of Units Subject to Repurchase

      On or prior to 2 years after 5/1/03              200,000

      On or prior to 3 years after 5/1/03              132,000

      On or prior to 4 years after 5/1/03               66,000

      Thereafter                                             0

The call option shall terminate upon a sale of the Company.


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9.       Effect of Death.

         If Executive dies during the Period of Employment, the legal
representative of Executive shall be entitled to (i) the base salary provided
for in Section 5a above for the month in which Executive's death shall have
occurred plus all accrued and unpaid vacation, at the rate being paid at the
time of death, and (ii) an amount equal to any MIC bonus that has been earned
based on Telex's receipt of audited financial results, prorated as of the date
of death, and payable as and when paid to other eligible MIC Plan participants.
The Period of Employment shall be deemed to have ended as of the close of
business on the last day of the month in which death shall have occurred but
without prejudice to any payments otherwise due in respect of Executive's death.

10.      Effect of Disability.

         a. In the event of the Disability of Executive during the Period of
Employment, Executive shall be entitled to (i) all benefits and perquisites
earned and accrued hereunder through the effective date of the termination of
the Period of Employment, as described below, (ii) an amount equal to the base
salary provided for in Section 5a above, at the rate being paid at the time of
the commencement of Disability, for the period of such Disability plus six (6)
months from the end of the period that establishes such Disability, as described
in Section 10c below, and (iii) an amount equal to any MIC bonus that has been
earned based on Telex's receipt of audited financial results, prorated through
the end of the Period of Employment, and payable as and when paid to other
eligible MIC Plan participants . The Period of Employment shall be deemed to
have ended as of the last day of the period that establishes Disability.

         b. The amount of any payments due under Section 10a(i) shall be reduced
by any payments to which Executive may be entitled for the same period because
of disability under any disability plan or insurance of Telex or as the result
of workers' compensation disability payments.

         c. The term "Disability", as used in this Agreement, shall mean an
illness or accident occurring during the Period of Employment, which prevents
Executive from performing Executive's duties under this Agreement for a period
in excess of 270 days (whether or not consecutive) or 180 consecutive days, as
the case may be, in any twelve-month period during the Period of Employment. The
Period of Employment shall be deemed to have ended as of the close of business
on the last day of such period (either the 270th or 180th day, as the case may
be) but without prejudice to any payments due Executive in respect of disability
under Section 10a or otherwise due to Executive or Executive's legal
representative or beneficiary and without prejudice to Executive's right to
continue any medical insurance coverage, subject to the terms of the plan or
applicable law.


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11.      Provision of Severance Allowance.

         a. Telex may terminate the Period of Employment and Executive's
employment at any time during the Period of Employment (i) for any reason upon
thirty (30) days' notice to Executive and (ii) immediately for Cause, as defined
in Section 11c below. If Executive's employment is terminated by Telex for any
reason other than for Cause or the death or Disability of Executive, or if
Executive's employment is terminated by Executive for Good Reason (as defined
herein) during the Period of Employment , Telex shall pay Executive (x) all base
salary, benefits and perquisites earned and accrued hereunder through the
effective date of his termination of employment, (y) a severance allowance equal
to one year's base salary at the rate being paid at the time of termination of
Executive's employment, commencing on the first day of the month following the
month in which the termination of Executive's employment becomes effective and
continuing thereafter for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months in
accordance with the regular bi-weekly payroll practices of Telex, and (z) an
amount equal to any MIC bonus that has been earned based on Telex's receipt of
audited financial results, prorated as of the date of termination, and payable
as and when paid to other eligible MIC Plan participants. In the event
Executive's employment is terminated by Telex for Cause, Executive shall be
entitled only to base salary, benefits and perquisites earned and accrued
through the effective date of his termination, and no additional severance,
incentive payments or other benefits shall be payable to Executive.

         b. During the twelve month period following a termination of
Executive's employment provided for in Section 11a (but excluding any
termination of Executive by Telex for Cause), Executive shall be entitled to:
continued coverage under Telex's health, dental and life insurance plans at
active employee premium rates, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans
as they may be modified from time to time.

         c. For the purpose of Section 11a above and any other provision of this
Agreement, termination of Executive's employment shall be deemed to have been
for Cause only:

                  i. if termination of Executive's employment shall have been
         the result of Executive's commission of or pleading of no-contest to a
         felony or other crime involving moral turpitude, or Executive's
         dishonesty, fraud, embezzlement, unethical or illegal act,
         misappropriation, or breach of fiduciary duty, any of which could
         materially damage Telex or its reputation; or


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                  ii. if termination of Executive's employment results from
         Executive's refusal to perform the duties appropriate to Executive's
         position or a material breach by Executive of the provisions of
         Sections 14, 15 and 16 of this Agreement and Executive has been given
         written notice by the Board of Directors of the Company with respect to
         such refusal or such material breach and Executive continues to refuse
         unreasonably the performance of the duties specified or to materially
         breach the provisions of Sections 14, 15 and 16 of this Agreement.

         d. For purposes of Section 11a above and any other provision of this
Agreement, a termination of Executive's employment for Good Reason shall mean a
termination by Executive within 30 days following:

                  i. the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent
         in any material respect with Executive's position in Telex, or a
         significant adverse alteration or material diminution, without the
         written consent of Executive, in the nature or scope of Executive's
         rights, authority, responsibilities and duties with Telex;

                  ii. without Executive's prior written consent, a significant
         reduction by Telex of Executive's base annual salary as provided for in
         Section 5a(i), other than any such reduction which is part of a general
         salary reduction or other concessionary arrangement affecting all
         employees or affecting other senior management employees; or

                  iii. the taking of any action by Telex that would
         substantially diminish the aggregate value of the benefits provided
         Executive under Telex's, disability, life insurance, accidental death
         and dismemberment plans, and any other employee benefit plans in which
         Executive was participating on the date hereof, other than any such
         reduction which is (x) required by law, (y) implemented in connection
         with a general concessionary arrangement affecting all employees or
         affecting other senior management employees or (z) generally applicable
         to all beneficiaries of such plans.

12.      Termination by Executive other than for Good Reason.

         Executive may terminate his employment hereunder at any time during the
Period of Employment upon sixty (60) days' written notice to Telex, provided
however, that if such termination is not for Good Reason (as set forth in
Section 11d), Executive shall be paid all base salary, benefits and perquisites
earned hereunder through the effective date of his termination of employment,
and shall not be entitled to any other payments or benefits. Executive shall not
be entitled to receive the severance allowance, incentive payments, or other
benefits provided in Sections 11a or b.


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13.      Resignation.

         If Executive's employment hereunder terminates (except due to his
death), Executive agrees to resign effective immediately upon termination of the
Period of Employment all positions as an officer or director of Telex, or any of
its affiliates. If Executive fails to deliver such resignation, the Board of
Directors of Telex may deem Executive to have resigned pursuant to this Section
13 effective upon the termination of his employment.

14.      Non-Disclosure.

         Executive shall not at any time after the date hereof divulge, provide,
or make assessable to anyone, other than in connection with the business of
Telex, any knowledge or information with respect to confidential or secret
processes, inventions, discoveries, improvements, formulae, plans, materials,
devises, materials, devices or ideas or other know-how, whether patentable or
not, with respect to any confidential or secret aspects of Telex's business
(including without limitation customer lists, supplier lists and pricing
arrangements with customers or suppliers or any similar lists, arrangements or
understandings, marketing plans, sales plans, manufacturing plans, management
organization information, data and other information relating to members of the
Board of Directors of Telex), operating policies or manuals, business plans,
financial records, packaging designs or other financial, commercial, business or
technical information relating to Telex or any of its subsidiaries or
information designated as confidential or proprietary that Telex or any of its
subsidiaries may receive belonging to suppliers, customers or others who do
business with Telex or any of its subsidiaries (collectively, "Confidential
Information"); provided, however, that Executive may disclose such information
(i) at the request of any governmental regulatory authority or in connection
with an examination of Executive by any such authority, (ii) pursuant to
subpoena or other court process, (iii) when required to do so in accordance with
the provisions of any applicable law or regulation, or (iv) if such information
has otherwise been made generally available to the public other than by reason
of Executive's breach of this Section 14. Upon the expiration of the Period of
Employment or upon termination of Executive's employment, Executive or his legal
representative shall promptly deliver to Telex all property relating to the
business of Telex, including all Confidential Information, and all copies
thereof that are in the possession or control of Executive.


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15.      Inventions.

         Executive shall promptly disclose to Telex all processes, trademarks,
inventions, improvements and discoveries related to the business of Telex
(collectively, "Developments") conceived or developed by him or with others
during the Period of Employment, if such Developments were conceived or
developed during business hours or through the use of Telex's resources. All
such Developments shall be the sole and exclusive property of Telex. Executive,
upon the request of and at Telex's expense, shall assist Telex in obtaining
patents thereon and execute all documents and other instruments necessary or
proper to obtain letters patent and to vest Telex with full title thereto.

16.      Post-Employment Activities

         a. Covenant Not to Compete. Following termination of Executive's
employment by Telex or by Executive for any reason, Executive shall not compete,
directly or indirectly, in any area of the continental United States, with the
business conducted by Telex or any of its subsidiaries, whether as an employee,
director, agent, principal, stockholder or limited partner owning more than 5%
of any class of securities or equity of a corporation, association or
partnership, or by maintaining any other type of interest in or affiliation with
or providing any assistance whatsoever to, any other person, firm, corporation
or entity in any business located or doing business within the continental
United States which at the time of Executive's affiliation therewith is in
direct competition with any facet of the business then being conducted by Telex
or any of its subsidiaries, for a one-year period beginning on the date of
Executive's departure and terminating on the first anniversary of the date of
his departure (the "Non-Compete Period").

         b. Non-Solicitation of Employees. During (i) Executive's employment
with Telex or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates and (ii) for a two-year
period beginning on the date of Executive's departure and terminating on the
second anniversary of the date of his departure, Executive shall not directly or
indirectly induce any employee of Telex or any of its subsidiaries to terminate
employment with such entity, and shall not directly or indirectly, either
individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ or
offer employment to any person who is or was employed by Telex or any of its
subsidiaries, unless such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity
for a period of at least six months.


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         c. Non-Solicitation of Customers and Suppliers. During (i) Executive's
employment with Telex and (ii) the Non-Compete Period, Executive shall not,
directly or indirectly, interfere with the business relationship of Telex or any
of its subsidiaries, or interfere with, or solicit on behalf of a competing
enterprise, any customer or supplier, or prospective customer or supplier, with
respect to which Executive has had access to Confidential Information or with
which Executive dealt in connection with Executive's duties for Telex, or any of
its subsidiaries.

         d. Non-disparagement. Executive agrees not to make any negative or
disparaging remarks or comments about Telex, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or
any of the foregoing entities' directors, officers, employees or products.

         e. Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants. Executive acknowledges
that irreparable damage would result to Telex if the provisions of Sections 14,
15 and 16a through d were not specifically enforced, and agrees that Telex shall
be entitled to any appropriate legal, equitable or other remedy, including
injunctive relief, a restraining order or other equitable relief (without the
requirement to post bond) with respect to any failure of Executive to comply
with the provisions of such sections.

         f. Severability; Reformation. In the event that one or more of the
provisions of this Section 16 shall become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining
provisions contained herein shall not be affected thereby. In the event any
provision of Section 14, 15 or 16a through d is not enforceable in accordance
with its terms, such Section shall be reformed to make such Section enforceable
in a manner which provides Telex or any of its subsidiaries the maximum rights
permitted at law.

         g. Waiver. Waiver by Telex or any of its subsidiaries of any breach or
default by Executive of any of the terms of Sections 14, 15 or 16a through d
shall not operate as a waiver of any other breach or default, whether similar to
or different from the breach or default waived. No waiver of any provision of
Section 14, 15 or 16a through d shall be implied from any course of dealing
between Telex or any of its subsidiaries and Executive or from any failure by
Telex or any of its subsidiaries to assert its rights hereunder on any occasion
or series of occasions.


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17.      Insurance.

         Telex shall have the right at its own cost and expense to apply for and
to secure in its own name, or otherwise, life, health or accident insurance or
any or all of them covering Executive, and Executive agrees to submit to usual
and customary medical examination and otherwise to cooperate with Telex in
connection with the procurement of any such insurance and any claims thereunder.


18.      Relocation Expenses.

         a. In accordance with and subject to the Company's relocation
guidelines, Telex shall pay (i) the actual, reasonable expenses incurred by
Executive in connection with shipping his household goods from Pennsylvania to
Minnesota; (ii) the reasonable out-of-pocket costs of up to two house-hunting
trips to Minnesota for two days each for Executive and spouse, (iii) a maximum
brokerage fee of 6% in connection with the sale of Executive's current residence
in Pennsylvania, and other required filing fees in connection with such sale,
and (iv) closing costs for the purchase of a new home in Minnesota by Executive,
in the maximum amount of 1% of the costs of such purchase. All of such expenses
must be incurred within fifteen (15) months of Executive's commencement of
employment with Telex, and are subject to a maximum reimbursement of $100,000.


         b. If, during the term of this Agreement, Executive's employment with
Telex is terminated, or upon Executive's death or Disability during the term of
this Agreement, Telex shall reimburse to Executive the actual, reasonable
expenses incurred by Executive in connection with shipping his household goods
from Minnesota to a location within the continental United States designated by
Executive, subject to a maximum reimbursement of $100,000. Telex shall reimburse
this return relocation expense provided that all such expenses must be incurred
within 180 days of termination of Executive's employment, Executive's death or
Disability during the term of this Agreement, regardless of the circumstances
under which Executive's employment is terminated, provided, however, that Telex
shall not be obligated to reimburse such return relocation expense in the event
that Executive's employment is terminated by Telex with Cause (as provided in
Section 11c hereof) or by Executive without Good Reason (as provided in Section
12). This provision 18b shall survive the term of the term of this Agreement for
a term of three (3) years.


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19.      Notices.

         All notices, requests and other communications pursuant to this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given if
delivered in person or by courier, the date delivered, and if sent by telegraph,
telex, facsimile transmission, the date sent, or if mailed by registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, the date mailed, if sent, delivered or mailed
to the parties at the following addresses:

                  If to Executive:

                  Raymond  V. Malpocher
                  441 Silver Leaf Circle
                  Trappe, PA  19426


                  If to Telex:

                  Telex Communications, Inc.
                  12000 Portland Avenue South
                  Burnsville, MN  55337

                  Attn:  Chief Financial Officer

         Any party may, by written notice to the other, change the address to
which notices to such party are to be delivered, sent or mailed.

20.      No Trust Created.

         Nothing contained in this Agreement and no action taken pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement shall create or be construed to create a trust fund
of any kind. Any funds which may be set aside or provided for in this Agreement
shall continue for all purposes to be a part of the general funds of Telex and
no person other than Telex shall by virtue of the provisions of this Agreement
have any interest in such funds. To the extent that any person acquires a right
to receive payments from Telex under this Agreement, such right shall be no
greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of Telex.

21.      Successor In Interest.

         This Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
legal representatives, and shall also bind and inure to the benefit of any
successor of Telex by merger or consolidation or any purchaser or assignee of
all or substantially all of its assets, but,


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except to any such successor, purchaser, or assignee of Telex, neither this
Agreement nor any rights or benefits hereunder may be assigned by either party
hereto.

22.      Full Discharge of Company Obligations.

         The amounts payable to Executive pursuant to Sections 9, 10, 11, and 12
following termination of his employment shall be in full and complete
satisfaction of Executive's rights under this Agreement but shall not affect
Executive's rights under any other agreement with Telex. Such amounts shall
constitute liquidated damages with respect to any and all such rights and claims
and, upon Executive's receipt of such amounts, Telex and its directors,
officers, agents and employees shall be released and discharged from any and all
liability to Executive in connection with this Agreement or otherwise in
connection with Executive's employment with Telex and its subsidiaries,
including any claims for wrongful termination, defamation, intentional
infliction of emotional distress, and any claims under the Federal Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the
Americans with Disabilities Act, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and Minnesota
Statute Section 191.81 (prohibiting age discrimination), and any other state or
federal statutes prohibiting discrimination in employment. As a condition to
receipt of any amounts under Sections 9, 10, 11 and 12, Executive will be
required to sign a General Release of all claims in a form satisfactory to
Telex.

23.      Dispute Resolution.

         The parties agree that any controversy or claim arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, or any dispute arising out of the interpretation or
application of this Agreement, which the parties hereto are unable to resolve,
shall be finally resolved and settled exclusively by the courts in the State of
Minnesota and in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Minnesota.
The parties severally recognize and consent to the jurisdiction over each of
them by the courts of the State of Minnesota, and specifically waive any right
to trial by jury that they might have under such laws.

24.      Governing Laws.

         This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota applicable to agreements made
and to be performed entirely in Minnesota.

25.      Entire Agreement.

         This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the
parties superseding all prior agreements between Telex and Executive, and may
not be modified or amended and no waiver shall be effective unless by written
document signed by both parties hereto; provided, however, that any increase in
base salary, as provided in


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<PAGE>

Section 5 hereof, shall become an amendment to this Agreement when approved by
the Board of Directors of Telex and recorded in the approved minutes of such
meeting.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties execute this Employment Agreement as of
the date first above written.

EXECUTIVE:


/s/ Raymond V. Malpocher
------------------------------------
Raymond V. Malpocher


TELEX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

By: /s/ Edgar S. Woolard, Jr.
    --------------------------------
         Edgar S. Woolard, Jr.
          Chairman


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<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE A




                           Telex Communications, Inc.

                     Management Incentive Compensation Plan


Management Incentive Compensation (the "MIC Plan")

         o        Objective: The MIC Plan is intended to reward key management
                  by motivating them to focus their efforts on achieving results
                  that contribute directly to the achievement of company
                  objectives.

         o        Incentive Compensation Awards: Awards are calculated as a
                  percent of base salary based on achieving certain performance
                  hurdles as defined below.

                  a.       Threshold: to be determined annually by Board of
                           Directors

                  b.       Target: 100% of objectives equal to 100% of base
                           salary

                  c.       Maximum: to be determined annually by Board of
                           Directors

         o        Performance Measurement: to be determined annually by Board of
                  Directors

         o        General Guidelines for MIC Plan

                  o        Awards are earned based on Telex's audited financial
                           statements

                  o        Awards are pro-rated for results between the
                           specified breakpoints (i.e. target, maximum, upside
                           and threshold)


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