Frank Serafine

Sound Designer • Composer | Los Angeles, CA (1952–2018)

“Frank was taken from us way too early. He will be missed by many in the music community. A great friend and inspiration to all who knew him.” – Douglas Morton

“I still own every digital sampling synth E-mu Systems ever manufactured. I have very special memories of the Emulator II period—science and technology at its best, and the dawn of an emerging sampling community. The EII libraries were the first to implement CD-ROM connectivity, pioneer keyboard sampling techniques, and capture some of the highest-quality recordings ever heard. I’m excited to use the new EII library in my future projects. Thanks to my old E-mu friends at Q Up Arts for reincarnating all that great EII archival work for the world—and for me—to enjoy again.”
– Frank Serafine

Frank Serafine was a visionary sound designer, composer, and one of Hollywood’s most influential audio innovators. Based in Los Angeles, he left a powerful legacy in both film and music, shaping the sonic identity of some of cinema’s most iconic works.

As a supervising sound editor and designer, Frank worked on a wide array of blockbusters and cult classics including Star Trek, Tron, The Addams Family, The Fog, Poltergeist: The Other Side, Robot Jox, Ice Pirates, Virtuosity, Orgazmo, The Lawnmower Man, Hoodwinked Too!, and Field of Dreams. His work earned industry recognition, including an Emmy Award for Sound Design on The Day After and an Academy Award for Sound Design on The Hunt for Red October.

In addition to his acclaimed film work, Frank was an accomplished musician and composer. He collaborated with legendary artists such as Ravi Shankar and George Harrison, Andy Summers, Peter Gabriel, and Don Cherry—bringing a deep musicality to his audio craftsmanship that resonated across genres and generations.

A pioneer in digital sampling and sound technology, Frank was also a lifelong enthusiast and expert in the evolution of electronic instruments. His passion for innovation helped shape the early digital sampling era, particularly through his work with E-mu Systems and his enduring admiration for the Emulator II.

Frank Serafine’s contributions continue to inspire sound designers, musicians, and producers around the world. His artistry, curiosity, and generous spirit live on in the countless projects—and people—he influenced.