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→Toys utilizing soundboxes: Added 2026 as a year and added Bumblebee Power Spark under it.
 
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A '''soundbox''' is an electronic gadget containing a memory device that records one or more sound clips and plays them back on demand, allowing for audible explosions, beep-wheedles, and "[[:File:I am Optimus Prime.jpg|I am Optimus Prime]]".
A '''soundbox''' is an electronic gadget containing a memory device that records one or more sound clips and plays them back on demand, allowing for audible explosions, beep-wheedles, and "[[:File:I am Optimus Prime.jpg|I am Optimus Prime.]]"


A soundbox is a self-contained unit containing batteries, electronics, and speaker, which makes it simple to install in a toy — all the designer needs is to allow space and a grille for the speaker, and make sure there's a way to get to the batteries in one of the toy's modes. On the other hand, a soundbox is relatively large as [[gimmick]]s go, and requires a fair amount of dedicated space.
A soundbox is a self-contained unit containing batteries, electronics, and speaker, which makes it simple to install in a toy—all the designer needs is to allow space and a grille for the speaker, and make sure there's a way to get to the batteries in one of the toy's modes. On the other hand, a soundbox is relatively large as [[gimmick]]s go, and requires a fair amount of dedicated space.


As with all electronics, soundbox technology has improved notably in the last twenty plus years. Toys featuring soundboxes during the 1980s usually also had to make space for a relatively large {{w|PP3 battery|nine-volt battery}} and the snap connectors that went with it. Modern soundboxes are now powered by {{w|button cell}} batteries, {{w|AAA battery|AAA batteries}}, or {{w|AA battery|AA batteries}}.
As with all electronics, soundbox technology improved over the decades. Toys featuring soundboxes during the 1980s usually also had to make space for a relatively large {{w|PP3 battery|nine-volt battery}} and the snap connectors that went with it. Modern soundboxes are now powered by {{w|button cell}} batteries, {{w|AAA battery|AAA batteries}}, or {{w|AA battery|AA batteries}}. Soundboxes have also become somewhat cheaper to manufacture, given their very sparse use in lines previous to [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|2002]]. During Armada and after, the boxes became a common feature on larger figures.
 
Soundboxes have also become somewhat cheaper to manufacture, given their very sparse use in lines previous to [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|2002]]. During Armada and after, the boxes became a common feature on larger figures.


Because of all these electronic whiz-bang doohickeys involved in their function, it is not uncommon to see one or more [[light-emitting diode]]s wired into the board.  
Because of all these electronic whiz-bang doohickeys involved in their function, it is not uncommon to see one or more [[light-emitting diode]]s wired into the board.  


==Toys Utilizing Soundboxes==
==Toys utilizing soundboxes==
{{collist|2|
{{collist|2|
;1985
;1985
Line 37: Line 35:
*[[Starscream (Armada)/toys#Armada|Starscream]]
*[[Starscream (Armada)/toys#Armada|Starscream]]
;2003
;2003
*[[K-Mart]] [[exclusive]] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#MatrixMultipack|Battle for the Martix Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Jetfire]] [[Giftset|two-pack]]
*[[Kmart]] [[exclusive]] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#MatrixMultipack|Battle for the Matrix Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Jetfire]] [[Giftset|two-pack]]
*[[Sam's Club]] exclusive [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Universe (2003)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Sam's Club]] exclusive [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Universe (2003)|Optimus Prime]]
*Sam's Club exclusive [[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ultra Magnus]]
*Sam's Club exclusive [[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ultra Magnus]]
Line 75: Line 73:
*[[Six Shot (Energon)#Toys|Six Shot]]
*[[Six Shot (Energon)#Toys|Six Shot]]
;2006
;2006
*[[BotCon 2006]] Exclusive [[Timelines]] [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Timelines|Optimus Primal]]
*[[BotCon 2006]] Exclusive [[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]] [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Timelines|Optimus Primal]]
*[[Classics]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20thDVD|Optimus Prime 20th Anniversary DVD Edition]]
*[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20thDVD|Optimus Prime 20th Anniversary DVD Edition]]
*[[Costco]] exclusive [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Cybertron|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Cybertron|Ultra Magnus]] two-pack
*[[Costco]] exclusive [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Cybertron|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Cybertron|Ultra Magnus]] two-pack
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)#Toys|Crumplezone]]
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)#Toys|Crumplezone]]
Line 110: Line 108:
*[[Wingblade#Toys|Wingblade]]
*[[Wingblade#Toys|Wingblade]]
*[[Inferno (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Inferno]]
*[[Inferno (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Inferno]]
*[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe (2008)]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1 Series|Generation 1 Series Optimus Prime]]
*[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe (2008)]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1 Series|Generation 1 Series Optimus Prime]]
*Ultra Class [[Onslaught (G1)#Uni08Ultra|Onslaught]]
*Ultra Class [[Onslaught (G1)#Uni08Ultra|Onslaught]]
*[[Powerglide (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Powerglide]]
*[[Powerglide (G1)#Universe (2008)|Powerglide]]
*Ultra Class [[Silverbolt (G1)#Universe (2008)|Silverbolt]]
*Ultra Class [[Silverbolt (G1)#Universe (2008)|Silverbolt]]
*[[Storm Cloud (G1)#Universe (2008)|Storm Cloud]]
*[[Storm Cloud (G1)#Universe (2008)|Storm Cloud]]
Line 118: Line 116:
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)#Leader Class|Leader Class Bulkhead]]
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)#Leader Class|Leader Class Bulkhead]]
*Leader Class [[Megatron (Animated)#Leader Class|Megatron]]
*Leader Class [[Megatron (Animated)#Leader Class|Megatron]]
*[[Ultra Magnus (Animated)#Toys|Ultra Magnus]]
*Leader Class [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)#Toys|Ultra Magnus]]
;2009
;2009
*Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#ROTFleader|Optimus Prime]]
*Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#ROTFleader|Optimus Prime]]
*Leader Class [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#ROTFleader|Megatron]]
*Leader Class [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#ROTFleader|Megatron]]
[[Power Bots]] [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Power Bots|Megatron]]
*[[Power Bots]] [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Power Bots|Megatron]]
;2010
;2010
*[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers (2010)]] Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#2010leader|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers (2010)]] Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#2010leader|Optimus Prime]]
Line 133: Line 131:
*[[Heatwave (RB)#Electronic toys|Heatwave]]
*[[Heatwave (RB)#Electronic toys|Heatwave]]
;2012
;2012
*[[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Keroro|Starscream]] [[Keroro]] version
*[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] Leader Class [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Generations|Starscream]]
*[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] Leader Class [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Generations|Starscream]]
;2013
;2013
*[[Metroplex (G1)#Generations|Metroplex]]
*Titan Class [[Metroplex (G1)#Generations|Metroplex]]
*[[Kenzan#Go.21|Kenzan]]
*[[Kenzan#Go.21|Kenzan]]
*[[Gekisoumaru#Go.21|Gekisoumaru]]
*[[Gekisoumaru#Go.21|Gekisoumaru]]
Line 148: Line 145:
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#TAV33|Optimus Prime Supreme Mode]]
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#TAV33|Optimus Prime Supreme Mode]]
;2016
;2016
*[[Titanium Series]] Year of the Monkey [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Generations|Optimus Primal]]
*[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]] Year of the Monkey [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Generations|Optimus Primal]]
*[[Cerebros (G1)#Generations|Cerebros]]
*[[Cerebros (G1)#Generations|Cerebros]]
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Power Surge|Power Surge Optimus Prime]] & [[Aerobolt#Robots in Disguise (2015)|Aerobolt]]
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Power Surge|Power Surge Optimus Prime]] & [[Aerobolt#Robots in Disguise (2015)|Aerobolt]]
*[[Starscream (WFC)#PowerHeroes|Power Surge Starscream]]
*[[Starscream (WFC)#PowerHeroes|Power Surge Starscream]]
;2017
;2017
*[[Masterpiece]] [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP36|36 Megatron]]
*[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]] [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP36|36 Megatron]]
*[[Movie The Best]] Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#MB11|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Transformers Movie The Best|Movie The Best]] Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#MB11|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Allspark Tech]] [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Allspark Tech|Optimus Prime]]
*[[2017#AllSpark_Tech_figures|Allspark Tech]]  
*Allspark Tech [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#ATShadowSpark|Shadow Spark Optimus Prime]]
** [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Allspark Tech|Optimus Prime]]
** [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#ATShadowSpark|Shadow Spark Optimus Prime]]
** [[Sqweeks#Allspark_Tech|Sqweeks]]
;2018
;2018
*Masterpiece [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP36Plus|36+ Megatron]]
*Masterpiece [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP36Plus|36+ Megatron]]
;2019
;2019
*Masterpiece [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|44 Optimus Prime]]  
*Masterpiece [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|43 Megatron (Beast Wars)]]
*Masterpiece [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|44 Optimus Prime]]
;2023
*[[Optimus Primal (ROTB)#CommandAndConvert|Command and Convert Optimus Primal]]
;2024
*[[Agent Knight]]
*[[Optimus Prime (One)#PowerFlip|Power Flip Optimus Prime]]
;2025
*[[LEGO]] [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#LEGO|Soundwave]]
*[[Scorponok (Cyberworld)|Scorponok]]
;2026
*[[Bumblebee (Cyberworld)|Bumblebee]] Power Spark
}}
}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
[[File:Starscream soundbox.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|Starscream feels empty inside.]]
[[File:Starscream soundbox.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|Starscream feels empty inside.]]
*[[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Shockwave]] was the first ''Transformers'' toy to feature electronic sounds.
*[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#PurpleReissue|Reissue Galvatron]]'s soundbox was upgraded to use AA batteries instead of the original's nine volt PP3s.
*[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#PurpleReissue|Reissue Galvatron]]'s soundbox was upgraded to use AA batteries instead of the original's nine volt PP3's.
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)#Toys|Tidal Wave]]'s Armada box noted that he had electronic sounds. He did not - which was a good decision for a boat toy kids might [[Play pattern|take in the tub]].
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)#Toys|Tidal Wave]]'s Armada box noted that he had electronic sounds. He did not. Bummer.
*[[Starscream (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Cybertron Voyager Starscream]] was designed with a soundbox in mind (even including the requisite speaker and battery brackets when you crack one open), but the final Hasbro and Takara versions have no electronics.
*[[Starscream (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Cybertron Voyager Starscream]] was designed with a soundbox in mind (even including the requisite speaker and battery brackets when you crack one open), but the final Hasbro and Takara versions have no electronics. Again, bummer.
 


[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]

Latest revision as of 21:27, 16 February 2026

A soundbox is an electronic gadget containing a memory device that records one or more sound clips and plays them back on demand, allowing for audible explosions, beep-wheedles, and "I am Optimus Prime."

A soundbox is a self-contained unit containing batteries, electronics, and speaker, which makes it simple to install in a toy—all the designer needs is to allow space and a grille for the speaker, and make sure there's a way to get to the batteries in one of the toy's modes. On the other hand, a soundbox is relatively large as gimmicks go, and requires a fair amount of dedicated space.

As with all electronics, soundbox technology improved over the decades. Toys featuring soundboxes during the 1980s usually also had to make space for a relatively large [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}PP3 battery|{{#if:nine-volt battery|nine-volt battery|PP3 battery}}]] and the snap connectors that went with it. Modern soundboxes are now powered by [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}button cell|{{#if:||button cell}}]] batteries, [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}AAA battery|{{#if:AAA batteries|AAA batteries|AAA battery}}]], or [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}AA battery|{{#if:AA batteries|AA batteries|AA battery}}]]. Soundboxes have also become somewhat cheaper to manufacture, given their very sparse use in lines previous to 2002. During Armada and after, the boxes became a common feature on larger figures.

Because of all these electronic whiz-bang doohickeys involved in their function, it is not uncommon to see one or more light-emitting diodes wired into the board.

Toys utilizing soundboxes

[edit]

{{ #if: {{#ifexpr: 2 }}

|

2

|

1985
1986
1993
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2023
2024
2025
2026

}}

Notes

[edit]
Starscream feels empty inside.
  • Reissue Galvatron's soundbox was upgraded to use AA batteries instead of the original's nine volt PP3s.
  • Tidal Wave's Armada box noted that he had electronic sounds. He did not - which was a good decision for a boat toy kids might take in the tub.
  • Cybertron Voyager Starscream was designed with a soundbox in mind (even including the requisite speaker and battery brackets when you crack one open), but the final Hasbro and Takara versions have no electronics.
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