MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Decepticon Mini-Cassette

2011-03-03T19:32:56Z

66.76.117.109:

{{disambig2|the subgroup sometimes referred to as Recordicons|the comic strip about them|Recordicons}}
{{stub|rest of the fiction, up-top links and maybe short descriptions, toy section needs fleshing out}}
{{factions|decepticon|sgDecepticon|minicon}}
:''The Decepticon Mini-Cassettes are a [[subgroup]] of [[Decepticon]]s (and in [[Ravage (G1)|a single case]], a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]) from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Madman comic Soundwave ejects tapes.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Eject! Operation: Illustration.]]
The '''Decepticon Mini-Cassettes''' (also known as '''Spy Cassettes''' and '''Recordicons''') are [[Decepticon]]s (and in one case, a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]) who, on [[Earth]], transform into analog [[Mini-Cassette|audio cassettes]]. They can fit into [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s chest compartment, though their apparent relationship to Soundwave varies depending on continuity.

Many of these troops have communication or espionage roles. Recycling of body designs is common among them as well.

{{quote|In the days of Megatron, Decepticons developed the art of espionage using cassette technology.|[[Teletraan II]]|"[[Secret Files of Teletraan II]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
For the most part, the Decepticon Mini-Cassettes did not appear to have a particularly special or unique relationship with Soundwave. Soundwave occasionally carried Laserbeak within his chest compartment, releasing him for surprise attacks. {{storylink|Warrior School!}}

More often, the Mini-Cassette troops used their small alternate modes for stealth, disguise and transportation by other characters. Rumble and Frenzy frequently hitched rides in the cockpit of the Decepticon jets, for example. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}} Ravage used his cassette form on several occasions to spy on humans. {{storylink|Power Play!}} Three of the cassette troops were taken out of play by Omega Supreme {{storylink|Command Performances!}} and remained inoperative for quite some time, while Ravage was dropped into a mine shaft by the Autobot [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], {{storylink|Showdown!}} taking him out of play for even longer. Only Laserbeak remained operative, acting as a sort of totem of Decepticon leadership. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

Ratbat assumed a cassette form upon traveling to Earth, and used this disguise to monitor his human accomplices. {{storylink|Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom}}

===Cartoon continuity===

====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
The Mini-Cassettes acted as a sort of special-missions force, under the command of their host Soundwave. Soundwave could store numerous cassettes within his chest, at times ejecting as many as four at once. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

Laserbeak was frequently sent to spy on the [[Autobot]]s at [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], once using his cassette form to sneak in. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Ravage likewise used his cassette mode to infiltrate [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] and steal information about Earth's resources. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} Rumble was used more often to destroy stuff, though all three frequently engaged in battle.

The less-seen Buzzsaw and Frenzy also appeared on occasion, usually acting in conjunction with Laserbeak and Rumble, respectively. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

Years later, Ratbat joined the cassette forces; like Laserbeak, he specialized in spy work and reconnaissance, particularly in tight quarters inaccessible to Laserbeak. {{storylink|Secret Files of Teletraan II}}

Some time after that, Overkill and Slugfest also joined Soundwave's troops. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

====Madman ''The Transformers'' comic====
In the year 2001, Soundwave unleashed his army of new Mini-Cassettes to steal the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] from a secure bunker at the construction site of [[Autobot City]] on Earth. They were interrupted during their excavation by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], who successfully disabled Soundwave and his various helpers, retrieving the Matrix. {{storylink|The Transformers (Madman)|The Transformers}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
Ravage attacked [[Kenji]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] in Tokyo while the rest of the Autobots were occupied by Megatron's forces. [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] managed to sweep Kenji to safety, but Bumblebee was then confronted by Rumble, Laserbeak and Ratbat as well. Bumblebee managed to evade the Cassettes long enough for [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] to arrive as back-up. Using a patented Bumble Kick, the small Autobot damaged Soundwave's chest compartment, so that when Ravage and the others attempted to hide from the Autobots inside their master, they bounced fruitlessly off of Soundwave. Cliffjumper was able to grab them while they were still in their cassette forms, pulling out their magnetic tape. Harsh. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #2}}

When the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s attempted to frame the Autobots for their evil deeds, Rumble and Frenzy appealed directly to the human race for Decepticon support. Disguised in full-body cloaks and masks, they staged rallys against the Autobots and convince mankind that the Decepticons were their true friends. Their ruse was soon uncovered by [[Eject]] and [[Rewind]], who ripped off the Decepticons' robes to reveal their true selves. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 7|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #7}}

=====''Scramble City'' cartoon=====
{{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}
{{charstubfiction}}
=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}{{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}{{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}}<br>{{storylink|The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}} {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}} {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}}{{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}}<br>{{storylink|Battle for Defense of the False Planet}}{{storylink|Head Formation of Friendship}}{{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}}{{storylink|Operation: Destroy the Decepticons}}
{{charstubfiction}}
=====''The Headmasters'' comic=====

As the Autobots prepared to leave Earth and pursue [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s forces into space, Soundblaster of all the Decepticons stayed behind to continue tormenting humanity. He dispatched Overkill and Slugfest to attack the Witwickys but they were, um...overpowered by [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]]. After [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] blasted Soundblaster into the distance, his remaining Cassettes crowded around the Decepticon tapedeck as he shook the stars from his eyes. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 8|The Headmasters #8}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
The origin of the Mini-Cassettes as a whole is unknown. Warriors like Laserbeak and Ravage were seen working with Soundwave in their standard capacity since the beginning of the war. {{storylink|The War Within}} The sole exception is Ratbat, who was once a high-ranking Decepticon, and the leader of his own independent faction during the [[Dark Ages]]. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}} At an unknown point in history, Ratbat was apparently converted into a Mini-Cassette as punishment for some unknown offense. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

Besides Ratbat, the Mini-Cassettes were sent into stasis lock with Soundwave and the rest of the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> crew for four million years on the planet Earth. They reawakened in 1984 to battle [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the crew of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''. {{storylink|Prime Directive}} When the Transformers eventually returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Mini-Cassettes went with Soundwave under the new command of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. After [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] made a proposal to strike out on their own, however, they turned against Shockwave. Part of the deal was Starscream reuniting Soundwave with Ratbat, whom he had apparently already used as a Mini-Cassette in the past. The Mini-Cassettes returned to Earth with Soundwave and the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s. {{storylink|War and Peace}} Megatron eventually returned, reclaiming leadership from Starscream, with the help of Soundwave and the Mini-Cassettes. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{note|After returning to Earth, only Rumble and Frenzy made express appearances. Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ratbat were presumably present inside Soundwave.}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] worked with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] from the beginning as his minions.

[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] were originally energon miners like [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. They were the first pre-Decepticons to hitch their wagons to the rising star of Megatron. Megatron had them reformatted into the Cybertronian equivalent of mini-cassettes in order to participate in a surprise attack on the [[Senate]]. They weren't entirely happy about it, but agreed out of fear and loyalty to Megatron. [[Squawkbox]] also participated in that operation.

{{note|It is unclear if Squawkbox was already a minion of Soundwave or if he was also reformatted for that purpose.}}

[[Ratbat (G1)|Senator Ratbat]] was Soundwave's boss up until the Decepticon uprising, at which point, Soundwave slagged him but preserved his spark in a Cybertronian mini-cassette. {{storylink|Megatron Origin}}

Much later, Squawkbox served on the same space station as [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sixshot}}

Ravage and Laserbeak traveled with Soundwave to Earth while keeping an eye on [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]. Buzzsaw, Frenzy, and Rumble were not seen during this period, but the possibility that Soundwave was keeping one or more of them in reserve cannot be ruled out. (You never ''really'' know who he has hidden in there.) It was at this time that Soundwave and at least Ravage and Laserbeak picked up [[1984]]-era Earth [[alternate mode]]s. {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave}}

Ratbat spent some time as a regular member of Earth's [[Infiltration protocol|infiltration unit]] doing reconnaissance work. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} He had a non-mini-cassete alternate mode.

Laserbeak, Ravage, Frenzy, Rumble, and Ratbat all participated in Megatron's full-scale invasion of Earth as Soundwave's mini-cassette minions. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron}}

===''Hearts of Steel''===
Soundwave, Ravage, Squawkbox, and Rumble and/or Frenzy were among the Decepticons who were awakened in eighteenth century Earth and took on alternate modes from that era. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel}}

It was not revealed what those alternate modes were, but textual notes in Squawkbox's concept art included in the trade paperback indicate that his "upper body transforms into a mechanical gorilla" and his "lower part transforms into mechanical eagle."

===Shattered Glass===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}} {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}} {{storylink|Do Over}} {{storylink|Eye in the Sky}}

==Toys==
===Frenzy mold===
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]
*[[Enemy]], whose only transformable toy was permanently attached to a radio bigger than he was.

===Laserbeak mold===
[[Image:LaserbeakG1toy.JPG|right|200px|thumb|1984 cassette Laserbeak]]
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]
*[[Garboil (G1)|Garboil]]
*[[Sundor]]

===Ravage mold===
*[[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]]
*[[Howlback]]
*[[Glit]]

===Universe Ravage mold===
: This is an entirely new-mold version of the character, still transforming from jaguar to a cassette compatible with G1 Soundwave / Blaster.
*''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]]
*"Shattered Glass" [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]

===Other molds===
* [[Beastbox (G1)|Beastbox]] and [[Squawktalk]], who can combine to form [[Squawkbox]].
* [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flip Sides]], [[Redeco|redecoed]] from the [[Rewind]] mold.
* [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]
* [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]]

===Fiction only===
*[[:Image:Generic cassettes.jpg|Many]] [[Palette swap|other]] [[generic]]s.
*[[Autoscout]] {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}
*[[:Image:Ravage clones gi joe vol 2.jpg|Ravage clones]] {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 3}}
*"[[Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]" [[Laserbeak (SG)|Laserbeak]] {{storylink|Shattered Expectations}} {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Buzzsaw (SG)|Buzzsaw]] {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Frenzy (SG)|Frenzy]] {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}} {{storylink|Eye in the Sky}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Ratbat (SG)|Ratbat]] {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 28}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Rumble (SG)|Rumble]] {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Overkill (SG)|Overkill]] {{storylink|Do Over}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Slugfest (SG)|Slugfest]] {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}} {{storylink|Do Over}}

==Notes==
[[Image:DiamondStickerbookRecordicons.jpg|thumb|200px]]
*This sub-group was called '''Decepticon Cassettes''' in the 1984 toy [[catalog]], but '''Decepticon Mini-Cassettes''' in all subsequent catalogs.
*The term "Spy Cassettes" was used in advertisements featured in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Overview 2|Marvel UK comics]] and an organizational chart in the [[Transformers Annual 1987]], while "Recordicon" was used in a 1986 [[Diamond]] ''Transformers: The Movie'' stickerbook to describe Laserbeak. "Recordicon" has seen recent use in the ''Shattered Glass'' profiles for Ravage and Ratbat.
*The term "Cassetticon" is an unofficial term that crops up amongst the fanbase.
*The San Diego Comic-Con 2009 reissue of Soundwave refers to the cassettes as "[[Deployer (Prime)|Deployer]]" figures. The term "Deployer" had previously been used for the [[Deployer (BM)|small animal-to-weapon figures]] from the [[Beast Machines (toyline)|''Beast Machines'' toyline]].
*In "[[The Agenda (Part 2)|The Agenda]]", Ravage still has his cassette alternate mode, despite undergoing a complete rebuilding. He fits into a compartment on his [[Transwarp cruiser|ship]].
*In addition to being retconned as deployers, Soundwave's [[Transformers Hall of Fame]] bio also presented Ravage, Laserbeak and all of Soundwave's other partners as [[Mini-Cons]]. That'll rattle a few cages. [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/movie-news/TRANSFORMERS-HALL-OF-FAME-Nominee-1.cfm]
*The Hall of Fame bio also revealed that Laserbeak and Ravage are Soundwave's favorite partners. (It's okay, [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]], we still love you).

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cassettron''' (カセットロン ''Kasettoron'')

[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes| Decepticon]]

Decepticon Mini-Cassette

2011-03-03T19:32:00Z

66.76.117.109:

{{disambig2|the subgroup sometimes referred to as Recordicons|the comic strip about them|Recordicons}}
{{stub|rest of the fiction, up-top links and maybe short descriptions, toy section needs fleshing out}}
{{factions|decepticon|sgDecepticon|minicon}}
:''The Decepticon Mini-Cassettes are a [[subgroup]] of [[Decepticon]]s (and in [[Ravage (G1)|a single case]], a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]) from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Madman comic Soundwave ejects tapes.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Eject! Operation: Illustration.]]
The '''Decepticon Mini-Cassettes''' (also known as '''Spy Cassettes''' and '''Recordicons''') are [[Decepticon]]s (and in one case, a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]) who, on [[Earth]], transform into analog [[Mini-Cassette|audio cassettes]]. They can fit into [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s chest compartment, though their apparent relationship to Soundwave varies depending on continuity.

Many of these tennis players have communication or espionage roles. Recycling of body designs is common among them as well.

{{quote|In the days of Megatron, Decepticons developed the art of espionage using cassette technology.|[[Teletraan II]]|"[[Secret Files of Teletraan II]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
For the most part, the Decepticon Mini-Cassettes did not appear to have a particularly special or unique relationship with Soundwave. Soundwave occasionally carried Laserbeak within his chest compartment, releasing him for surprise attacks. {{storylink|Warrior School!}}

More often, the Mini-Cassette troops used their small alternate modes for stealth, disguise and transportation by other characters. Rumble and Frenzy frequently hitched rides in the cockpit of the Decepticon jets, for example. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}} Ravage used his cassette form on several occasions to spy on humans. {{storylink|Power Play!}} Three of the cassette troops were taken out of play by Omega Supreme {{storylink|Command Performances!}} and remained inoperative for quite some time, while Ravage was dropped into a mine shaft by the Autobot [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], {{storylink|Showdown!}} taking him out of play for even longer. Only Laserbeak remained operative, acting as a sort of totem of Decepticon leadership. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

Ratbat assumed a cassette form upon traveling to Earth, and used this disguise to monitor his human accomplices. {{storylink|Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom}}

===Cartoon continuity===

====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
The Mini-Cassettes acted as a sort of special-missions force, under the command of their host Soundwave. Soundwave could store numerous cassettes within his chest, at times ejecting as many as four at once. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

Laserbeak was frequently sent to spy on the [[Autobot]]s at [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], once using his cassette form to sneak in. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Ravage likewise used his cassette mode to infiltrate [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] and steal information about Earth's resources. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} Rumble was used more often to destroy stuff, though all three frequently engaged in battle.

The less-seen Buzzsaw and Frenzy also appeared on occasion, usually acting in conjunction with Laserbeak and Rumble, respectively. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

Years later, Ratbat joined the cassette forces; like Laserbeak, he specialized in spy work and reconnaissance, particularly in tight quarters inaccessible to Laserbeak. {{storylink|Secret Files of Teletraan II}}

Some time after that, Overkill and Slugfest also joined Soundwave's troops. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

====Madman ''The Transformers'' comic====
In the year 2001, Soundwave unleashed his army of new Mini-Cassettes to steal the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] from a secure bunker at the construction site of [[Autobot City]] on Earth. They were interrupted during their excavation by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], who successfully disabled Soundwave and his various helpers, retrieving the Matrix. {{storylink|The Transformers (Madman)|The Transformers}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
Ravage attacked [[Kenji]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] in Tokyo while the rest of the Autobots were occupied by Megatron's forces. [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] managed to sweep Kenji to safety, but Bumblebee was then confronted by Rumble, Laserbeak and Ratbat as well. Bumblebee managed to evade the Cassettes long enough for [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] to arrive as back-up. Using a patented Bumble Kick, the small Autobot damaged Soundwave's chest compartment, so that when Ravage and the others attempted to hide from the Autobots inside their master, they bounced fruitlessly off of Soundwave. Cliffjumper was able to grab them while they were still in their cassette forms, pulling out their magnetic tape. Harsh. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #2}}

When the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s attempted to frame the Autobots for their evil deeds, Rumble and Frenzy appealed directly to the human race for Decepticon support. Disguised in full-body cloaks and masks, they staged rallys against the Autobots and convince mankind that the Decepticons were their true friends. Their ruse was soon uncovered by [[Eject]] and [[Rewind]], who ripped off the Decepticons' robes to reveal their true selves. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 7|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #7}}

=====''Scramble City'' cartoon=====
{{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}
{{charstubfiction}}
=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}{{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}{{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}}<br>{{storylink|The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}} {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}} {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}}{{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}}<br>{{storylink|Battle for Defense of the False Planet}}{{storylink|Head Formation of Friendship}}{{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}}{{storylink|Operation: Destroy the Decepticons}}
{{charstubfiction}}
=====''The Headmasters'' comic=====

As the Autobots prepared to leave Earth and pursue [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s forces into space, Soundblaster of all the Decepticons stayed behind to continue tormenting humanity. He dispatched Overkill and Slugfest to attack the Witwickys but they were, um...overpowered by [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]]. After [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] blasted Soundblaster into the distance, his remaining Cassettes crowded around the Decepticon tapedeck as he shook the stars from his eyes. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 8|The Headmasters #8}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
The origin of the Mini-Cassettes as a whole is unknown. Warriors like Laserbeak and Ravage were seen working with Soundwave in their standard capacity since the beginning of the war. {{storylink|The War Within}} The sole exception is Ratbat, who was once a high-ranking Decepticon, and the leader of his own independent faction during the [[Dark Ages]]. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}} At an unknown point in history, Ratbat was apparently converted into a Mini-Cassette as punishment for some unknown offense. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

Besides Ratbat, the Mini-Cassettes were sent into stasis lock with Soundwave and the rest of the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> crew for four million years on the planet Earth. They reawakened in 1984 to battle [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the crew of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''. {{storylink|Prime Directive}} When the Transformers eventually returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Mini-Cassettes went with Soundwave under the new command of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. After [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] made a proposal to strike out on their own, however, they turned against Shockwave. Part of the deal was Starscream reuniting Soundwave with Ratbat, whom he had apparently already used as a Mini-Cassette in the past. The Mini-Cassettes returned to Earth with Soundwave and the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s. {{storylink|War and Peace}} Megatron eventually returned, reclaiming leadership from Starscream, with the help of Soundwave and the Mini-Cassettes. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{note|After returning to Earth, only Rumble and Frenzy made express appearances. Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ratbat were presumably present inside Soundwave.}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] worked with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] from the beginning as his minions.

[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] were originally energon miners like [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. They were the first pre-Decepticons to hitch their wagons to the rising star of Megatron. Megatron had them reformatted into the Cybertronian equivalent of mini-cassettes in order to participate in a surprise attack on the [[Senate]]. They weren't entirely happy about it, but agreed out of fear and loyalty to Megatron. [[Squawkbox]] also participated in that operation.

{{note|It is unclear if Squawkbox was already a minion of Soundwave or if he was also reformatted for that purpose.}}

[[Ratbat (G1)|Senator Ratbat]] was Soundwave's boss up until the Decepticon uprising, at which point, Soundwave slagged him but preserved his spark in a Cybertronian mini-cassette. {{storylink|Megatron Origin}}

Much later, Squawkbox served on the same space station as [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sixshot}}

Ravage and Laserbeak traveled with Soundwave to Earth while keeping an eye on [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]. Buzzsaw, Frenzy, and Rumble were not seen during this period, but the possibility that Soundwave was keeping one or more of them in reserve cannot be ruled out. (You never ''really'' know who he has hidden in there.) It was at this time that Soundwave and at least Ravage and Laserbeak picked up [[1984]]-era Earth [[alternate mode]]s. {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave}}

Ratbat spent some time as a regular member of Earth's [[Infiltration protocol|infiltration unit]] doing reconnaissance work. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} He had a non-mini-cassete alternate mode.

Laserbeak, Ravage, Frenzy, Rumble, and Ratbat all participated in Megatron's full-scale invasion of Earth as Soundwave's mini-cassette minions. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron}}

===''Hearts of Steel''===
Soundwave, Ravage, Squawkbox, and Rumble and/or Frenzy were among the Decepticons who were awakened in eighteenth century Earth and took on alternate modes from that era. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel}}

It was not revealed what those alternate modes were, but textual notes in Squawkbox's concept art included in the trade paperback indicate that his "upper body transforms into a mechanical gorilla" and his "lower part transforms into mechanical eagle."

===Shattered Glass===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}} {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}} {{storylink|Do Over}} {{storylink|Eye in the Sky}}

==Toys==
===Frenzy mold===
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]
*[[Enemy]], whose only transformable toy was permanently attached to a radio bigger than he was.

===Laserbeak mold===
[[Image:LaserbeakG1toy.JPG|right|200px|thumb|1984 cassette Laserbeak]]
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]
*[[Garboil (G1)|Garboil]]
*[[Sundor]]

===Ravage mold===
*[[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]]
*[[Howlback]]
*[[Glit]]

===Universe Ravage mold===
: This is an entirely new-mold version of the character, still transforming from jaguar to a cassette compatible with G1 Soundwave / Blaster.
*''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]]
*"Shattered Glass" [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]

===Other molds===
* [[Beastbox (G1)|Beastbox]] and [[Squawktalk]], who can combine to form [[Squawkbox]].
* [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flip Sides]], [[Redeco|redecoed]] from the [[Rewind]] mold.
* [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]
* [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]]

===Fiction only===
*[[:Image:Generic cassettes.jpg|Many]] [[Palette swap|other]] [[generic]]s.
*[[Autoscout]] {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}
*[[:Image:Ravage clones gi joe vol 2.jpg|Ravage clones]] {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 3}}
*"[[Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]" [[Laserbeak (SG)|Laserbeak]] {{storylink|Shattered Expectations}} {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Buzzsaw (SG)|Buzzsaw]] {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Frenzy (SG)|Frenzy]] {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}} {{storylink|Eye in the Sky}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Ratbat (SG)|Ratbat]] {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 28}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Rumble (SG)|Rumble]] {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Overkill (SG)|Overkill]] {{storylink|Do Over}}
*"Shattered Glass" [[Slugfest (SG)|Slugfest]] {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}} {{storylink|Do Over}}

==Notes==
[[Image:DiamondStickerbookRecordicons.jpg|thumb|200px]]
*This sub-group was called '''Decepticon Cassettes''' in the 1984 toy [[catalog]], but '''Decepticon Mini-Cassettes''' in all subsequent catalogs.
*The term "Spy Cassettes" was used in advertisements featured in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Overview 2|Marvel UK comics]] and an organizational chart in the [[Transformers Annual 1987]], while "Recordicon" was used in a 1986 [[Diamond]] ''Transformers: The Movie'' stickerbook to describe Laserbeak. "Recordicon" has seen recent use in the ''Shattered Glass'' profiles for Ravage and Ratbat.
*The term "Cassetticon" is an unofficial term that crops up amongst the fanbase.
*The San Diego Comic-Con 2009 reissue of Soundwave refers to the cassettes as "[[Deployer (Prime)|Deployer]]" figures. The term "Deployer" had previously been used for the [[Deployer (BM)|small animal-to-weapon figures]] from the [[Beast Machines (toyline)|''Beast Machines'' toyline]].
*In "[[The Agenda (Part 2)|The Agenda]]", Ravage still has his cassette alternate mode, despite undergoing a complete rebuilding. He fits into a compartment on his [[Transwarp cruiser|ship]].
*In addition to being retconned as deployers, Soundwave's [[Transformers Hall of Fame]] bio also presented Ravage, Laserbeak and all of Soundwave's other partners as [[Mini-Cons]]. That'll rattle a few cages. [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/movie-news/TRANSFORMERS-HALL-OF-FAME-Nominee-1.cfm]
*The Hall of Fame bio also revealed that Laserbeak and Ravage are Soundwave's favorite partners. (It's okay, [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]], we still love you).

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cassettron''' (カセットロン ''Kasettoron'')

[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes| Decepticon]]