Bob Moog Foundation Welcomes Synthesizer Pioneer Dave Rossum to its Board of Directors

The Bob Moog Foundation is proud to announce that esteemed synthesizer pioneer Dave Rossum has joined its Board of Directors, the body responsible for governance and fiscal oversight of the organization. Rossum comes to the Board of Directors after serving on the Foundation’s Board of Advisors for over five years. He joins 11 other members of the Board of Directors, which is led by David Mash, President, and Marcus Ryle, Vice-President.

“We are thrilled to have Dave join the Board of Directors,” notes Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. “We are at a particularly exciting juncture in the organization’s evolution when all of our projects are poised for significant growth. Dave’s expertise in leading innovative companies will be of great assistance as our projects develop in the next several years.”

About Dave Rossum
​Dave Rossum discovered his passion when his college advisor, Dr. Harry Noller, introduced him to the Moog Synthesizer. That December, E-mu Systems was created. Alongside high school friend Scott Wedge, Dave built the company, which became known for its unique instruments and advanced technology. ​

At E-mu, Dave was responsible for many of the innovations that remain mainstays of synthesizer technology. He invented the polyphonic synthesizer keyboard, was the first to use a microprocessor in a music product, and pioneered the architectures and DSP algorithms that continue to power sampling instruments.

Dave designed most of the SSM family of synthesizer chips used in the Prophet 5, Korg Polysix, Korg Mono/Poly, Fairlight II, PPG Wave 2, and many others. He also collaborated with many other early synth pioneers, including Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, Roger Linn, Evan Brooks, and Peter Gotcher.

When Creative Labs acquired E-mu Systems in 1994, Dave became their Chief Scientist, continuing to invent DSP chips, algorithms, and analog circuits for music and sound. From 2011-2015, he served as Senior Director of Architecture at Audience, Inc, where he orchestrated the design of complex multi-core audio DSP chips for mobile phones.

Today, Dave focuses on designing new synth chips for Sound Semiconductor, creating new instruments and modules for Rossum Electro-Music, and inventing circuits and algorithms for Universal Audio, where he serves as a Technical Fellow. He holds over 40 US patents, with more pending.

“I’m delighted to join the Foundation’s Board and honor Bob Moog’s legacy. ​ Bob helped launch my career, and remained my good friend throughout his lifetime,” noted Rossum. “The Foundation’s mission of science education through music and technology is in perfect alignment with my own passion.”