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Draft:Al Siniscal

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Albert V. Siniscal (born July 6, 1941) is an American audio engineer, sound designer, and entrepreneur known for his pioneering work in professional audio, including innovations in tri- and quad-amplification, self-powered loudspeaker systems, and live sound reinforcement for major touring acts.[1] He is a recipient of the 2010 Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award for Audio Innovation.[2]

Early life and education

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Siniscal was born in St. Louis, Missouri, where he graduated from Chaminade High School. A budding engineer, he turned heads at science fairs with projects such as a Tesla coil capable of generating a 150,000-volt spark.[3] In 1959, he received a partial scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned both a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).[3] He joined the USAF ROTC program and later served as a First Lieutenant in the USAF Missiles and Space Systems Division, an experience that deeply influenced his engineering philosophy.[3]

Career

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After a brief stint with Esso International (now ExxonMobil) in New York City, Siniscal was called to active duty at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. There, he became involved in off-base electronic projects, including building plug-in amplifier cards and early recording consoles. Eventually promoted to First Lieutenant, he was responsible for conventional munitions supplied to the USAF by the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.[3]

In 1967, a visit to Las Vegas sparked Siniscal's interest in live sound. His expertise in resolving electrical issues backstage led to friendships with sound professionals at Caesars Palace. A 1969 car accident and subsequent medical discharge from the military led him to choose a career in professional audio over a corporate path.[3]

In the early 1970s, Siniscal began building amplifiers and speakers in his kitchen and self-storage units, pioneering the concept of putting amplifiers directly into loudspeakers. His work led to the founding of ''A1 Audio'', which quickly grew to provide touring systems for artists such as Paul Anka, Wayne Newton, Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, The Righteous Brothers, Tom Jones, and Shirley MacLaine.

By 1974, Siniscal developed the VIP system (Vertical Integrated Power), an early forerunner to modern line arrays, featuring tri-amplified, self-powered enclosures with minimal power loss.[4] His innovations were showcased in the October 1978 issue of ''Recording Engineer/Producer'' magazine in an article titled "The Doobie Brothers Touring System."[5]

In 1972, Siniscal presented a 10-page technical paper titled "High-Intensity, Modular Tri- and Quad-Amplification Loudspeaker Systems" at the AES Convention in Munich, introducing European engineers to the concept of self-powered multi-amped loudspeaker systems. He repeated the presentation two months later in Los Angeles.[3]

Siniscal’s expertise led to providing audio for tours by Aerosmith, Van Halen, Julio Iglesias, Chicago, Mötley Crüe, and theater productions such as ''The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber,'' ''The Wiz,'' and ''Starlight Express''.[6] He also designed the sound system for Pope John Paul II’s 1987 visit to Dodger Stadium.

In 1980, he provided the sound system for Frank Sinatra’s concert at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium, which set a Guinness World Record for the largest concert audience for a solo performer (175,000 attendees).

In the 1980s, Siniscal expanded to Branson, Missouri and continued developing touring systems and installations. In 1999, A1 Audio was acquired by PRG (Production Resource Group), where Siniscal remained as a consultant. He later founded A1 Entertainment Services[7] and managed high-profile installations, including the Aladdin Resort & Casino (now Planet Hollywood) in Las Vegas, featuring the largest permanently-installed L-Acoustics V-DOSC system in the U.S. at the time.

Siniscal serves as President and CEO of A1 Entertainment Services, Inc.[7], where he continues to influence the field of professional audio engineering.

Recognition

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In 2010, Siniscal was honored with the '''Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award for Audio Innovation'''[2], presented by Paul Anka. The ceremony included a retrospective video and his acceptance speech.

Personal life

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For more than 20 years, Siniscal has been an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He lives in Las Vegas with his wife Holly, an artist. They have two children: Gabriel and Abby. Siniscal is also a banjo enthusiast.

References

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  • ^ "Our Founder | A1 Vegas". Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  • ^ a b "2010 Parnelli Winners". Parnelli Awards. 2010-10-25. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
  • ^ a b c d e f "Parnelli Audio Innovator Al Siniscal | FOH | Front of House Magazine". 2010-09-08. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
  • ^ Siniscal, Al (March–April 1971). "'Bi' and 'Tri' Amplification". Recording Engineer/Producer Magazine. 2 (2): 3 – via World Radio History.
  • ^ Siniscal, Al (October 1978). "The Doobie Brothers Touring System". Recording Engineer/Producer. 9 (5): 6 – via World Radio History.
  • ^ Siniscal, Al. "A-1 Audio Clients". A-1 Vegas.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  • ^ a b Siniscal, Al (2025-05-05). "A-1 Vegas". A-1 Vegas.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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    Category:American audio engineers Category:Living people Category:Sound designers Category:Washington University in St. Louis alumni

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