Dave Rossum

Dave Rossum is an engineer, inventor, and synthesizer pioneer whose innovations helped define modern electronic instrument design. After earning a degree in molecular biology from Caltech and beginning graduate studies at UC Santa Cruz, Dave discovered his true passion when introduced to a Moog Modular Synthesizer—an experience that led him, along with longtime friend Scott Wedge, to found E-mu Systems in 1970. Through E-mu, Dave introduced groundbreaking technologies that remain foundational to the synthesizer world, including the development of a polyphonic keyboard, the first use of a microprocessor in a music product, and pioneering architectures and DSP algorithms that shaped modern sampling instruments. He designed the influential SSM family of synthesizer chips used in landmark instruments such as the Prophet-5, Korg Polysix, Fairlight II, and PPG Wave 2, while collaborating with innovators including Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, and Roger Linn. Following Creative Labs’ acquisition of E-mu Systems, Dave served as Chief Scientist, continuing to advance digital audio technology. Today, Dave remains active designing instruments through Rossum Electro-Music, developing semiconductor technology, and serving as a Technical Fellow at Universal Audio. Holding more than forty U.S. patents, Dave’s work continues to influence generations of musicians, engineers, and instrument designers worldwide.