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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 "I am [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|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. On the other hand, a soundbox is relatively large as [[Gimmick|gimmicks]] 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 [[wikipedia:PP3_battery|nine-volt battery]] and the snap connectors that went with it. Modern soundboxes are now powered by [[wikipedia:button_cell|button cell]] batteries, [[wikipedia:AAA_battery|AAA batteries]], or [[wikipedia: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 [[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|light-emitting diodes]] wired into the board.
==Toys utilizing soundboxes==
 
{{collist|2|
 
;1985
==Toys Utilizing Soundboxes==
*[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Shockwave]]
1985
;1986
 
*[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Galvatron]]
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]
*[[Talkformers]] [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Talkformers|Galvatron]]
 
;1993
1986
*[[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Megatron]]
 
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]
*[[Ramjet (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Ramjet]]
 
*[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Starscream]]
1993
;2000
 
*[[Size class|Supreme Class]] [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#BMSupreme|Cheetor]]
* [[Megatron (G1) toys|Megatron]]
;2001
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)#Toys|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
*[[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Toys|Ultra Magnus]]
* [[Starscream (G1) toys|Starscream]]
;2002
 
*[[Star Saber (Armada)#Merchandise|Roleplay Dark Saber]]
2000
*[[Jetfire (Armada)#Toys|Jetfire]]
 
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)#Toys|Laserbeak]]
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Supreme Cheetor]]
*[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Armada|Megatron]]
 
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Armada|Optimus Prime]]
2001
*[[Red Alert (Armada)#Toys|Red Alert]]
 
*[[Scavenger (Armada)#Toys|Scavenger]]
* [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Star Saber (Armada)#Merchandise|Roleplay Star Saber]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]
*[[Starscream (Armada)/toys#Armada|Starscream]]
 
;2003
2002
*[[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]]
* [[Dark Saber|Roleplay Dark Saber]]
*Sam's Club exclusive [[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ultra Magnus]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]
*[[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Robots in Disguise (2001)|Air Attack Optimus Primal]]
* [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#ArmadaGalvatron|Galvatron]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
*[[Overload (Armada)#Toys|Overload]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada) toys|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Powerlinx]] [[Jetfire (Armada)#Powerlinx|Jetfire]]
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Powerlinx|Powerlinx Optimus Prime]]
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]]
*[[Red Alert (Armada)#Powerlinx|Powerlinx Red Alert]]
* [[Star Saber (Armada)|Roleplay Star Saber]]
*[[Skywarp (Armada)#Toys|Skywarp]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)#Toys|Thundercracker]]
 
;2004
2003
*Sam's Club exclusive [[Starscream (Armada)/toys#VsProwl|Starscream]] and [[Prowl (Energon)#VsStarscream|Prowl]] two-pack (Starscream only)
 
*Toys"R"Us exclusive Powerlinx [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#TRUvsOptimus|Megatron]] Vs Powerlinx [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#OprimusMegsTRU|Optimus Prime]] two-pack
* K-Mart [[Optimus Prime (Armada) toys|Gold Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] two-pack
*[[Bulkhead (Energon)#Toys|Bulkhead]]
* Sam's Club [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Cliffjumper (Energon)#Toys|Cliffjumper]]
* Sam's Club [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]]
* Toys 'R' Us [[Optimus Primal|Air Attack Optimus Primal]]
*[[Jetfire (Armada)#Energon|Jetfire]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]
*[[Landmine (Energon)#Toys|Landmine]]
* [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]
*[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Energon|Megatron]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Powerlinx Jetfire]]
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)#Mirage|Mirage]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada) toys|Powerlinx Optimus Prime]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Energon|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Powerlinx Red Alert]]
*[[Scorponok (Energon)#Toys|Scorponok]]
* [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]]
*[[Shockblast#Toys|Shockblast]]
* [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]
*[[Treadbolt#Toys|Treadbolt]]
 
*[[Ultra Magnus (Energon)#Toys|Ultra Magnus]] with [[Space Mini-Con Team#Energon|Space Mini-Con Team]]
2004
;2005
 
*[[Beachcomber (Energon)#Toys|Beachcomber]]
* Sam's Club [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] two-pack
*[[Dreadwing (Energon)#Toys|Dreadwing]]
* Toys 'R' Us [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] two-pack
*[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Ultra|Galvatron]]
* [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]]
*[[Ironhide (Energon)#Toys|Ironhide]]
* [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]]
*[[Landquake (Energon)#Toys|Landquake]]
* [[Ironhide (Energon)|Iron Hide]]
*[[Omega Sentinel (Energon)#Toys|Omega Sentinel]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]
*[[Omega Supreme (Energon)#Toys|Omega Supreme]]
* [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]]
*[[Overcast (Energon)#Toys|Overcast]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
*[[Quickstrike (Energon)#Toys|Quickstrike]]
* [[Tidal Wave|Mirage]]
*[[Six Shot (Energon)#Toys|Six Shot]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada) toys|Optimus Prime]]
;2006
* [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]
*[[BotCon 2006]] Exclusive [[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]] [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Timelines|Optimus Primal]]
* [[Shockblast (Energon)|Shockblast]]
*[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20thDVD|Optimus Prime 20th Anniversary DVD Edition]]
* [[Treadbolt]]
*[[Costco]] exclusive [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Cybertron|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Cybertron|Ultra Magnus]] two-pack
* [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus with Space Mini-Con Team]]
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)#Toys|Crumplezone]]
 
*[[Scorponok (Energon)#Cybertron|Dark Scorponok]]
2005
*[[Jetfire (Armada)#Cybertron|Jetfire]]
 
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)#Toys|Leobreaker]]
* [[Beachcomber (Energon)|Beachcomber]]
*[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Megatron]]
* [[Dreadwing (Energon)|Dreadwing]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]
*[[Scourge (Cybertron)#Toys|Scourge]]
* [[Ironhide (Energon)|Energon Iron Hide]]
*Supreme Class [[Starscream (Armada)/toys#Supreme|Starscream]]
* [[Landquake (Energon)|Landquake]]
*[[Vector Prime#Cybertron|Vector Prime]]
* [[Omega Sentinel (Energon)|Omega Sentinel]]
*[[Primus#CybG1|Primus]]
* [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]]
;2007
* [[Overcast (Energon)|Overcast]]
*[[Scourge (Cybertron)#Cryo|Cryo Scourge]]
* [[Quickstrike (Energon)|Quickstrike]]
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)#Dark|Dark Crumplezone]]
* [[Six Shot]]
*[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)#Takara Galaxy Force toyline|Galaxy Force]] Optimus Prime
 
*Galaxy Force Vector Prime
2006
*[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#CybGalvatron|Galvatron]]
 
*[[Menasor (Cybertron)#Toys|Menasor]]
* Costco [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] two-pack
*[[Metroplex (Cybertron)#Toys|Metroplex]]
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]]
*[[Nemesis Breaker#Toys|Nemesis Breaker]]
* [[Scorponok (Energon)|Dark Scorponok]]
*[[Jetfire (Armada)#SkyShadow|Sky Shadow]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]
*[[Wing Saber (Energon)#toys|Wing Saber]]
* [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]]
*Leader Class [[Brawl (Movie)#Leader Class toys|Brawl]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
*[[Brawl (Movie)#LeaderDeepDesert|Desert Attack Brawl]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]
*Leader Class [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys|Megatron]]
* [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Supreme Starscream]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#USNightwatch|Nightwatch Optimus Prime]]
* [[Vector Prime]]
;2008
* [[Primus]]
*[[Premium Series]] Leader Class [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#PremiumLeader|Megatron]]
 
*Premium Series Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#PremiumLeader|Optimus Prime]]
2007
*Toys"R"Us exclusive [[Jetstorm (Movie)#Toys|Jetstorm]]
 
*[[Wingblade#Toys|Wingblade]]
* [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Cryo Scourge]]
*[[Inferno (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Inferno]]
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Dark Crumplezone]]
*[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe (2008)]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1 Series|Generation 1 Series Optimus Prime]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada) toys|Galaxy Force Optimus Prime]]
*Ultra Class [[Onslaught (G1)#Uni08Ultra|Onslaught]]
* [[Vector Prime|Galaxy Force Vector Prime]]
*[[Powerglide (G1)#Universe (2008)|Powerglide]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]
*Ultra Class [[Silverbolt (G1)#Universe (2008)|Silverbolt]]
* [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]]
*[[Storm Cloud (G1)#Universe (2008)|Storm Cloud]]
* [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Roll Out Command|Roll Out Command Optimus Prime]]
* [[Nemesis Breaker]]
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)#Leader Class|Leader Class Bulkhead]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Sky Shadow]]
*Leader Class [[Megatron (Animated)#Leader Class|Megatron]]
* [[Wing Saber]]
*Leader Class [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)#Toys|Ultra Magnus]]
* [[Brawl (Movie)|Leader Class Brawl]]
;2009
* [[Brawl (Movie)|Desert Attack Brawl]]
*Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#ROTFleader|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]
*Leader Class [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#ROTFleader|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Power Bots]] [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Power Bots|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Nightwatch Optimus Prime]]
;2010
 
*[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers (2010)]] Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#2010leader|Optimus Prime]]
2008
*Leader Class [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#LeaderShadowCommand|Shadow Command Megatron]]
 
*Transformers (2010) Leader Class [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Starscream]]
* [[Megatron (Movie)|Premium Megatron]]
;2011
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Premium Optimus Prime]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Ultimate|Ultimate Optimus Prime]]
* [[Jetstorm (Movie)|Jetstorm]]
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#lastshot|Last Shot Optimus Prime]]
* [[Wingblade]]
*[[Chase (RB)#Electronic|Chase]]
* [[Inferno (Movie)|Inferno]]
*[[Heatwave (RB)#Electronic toys|Heatwave]]
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]
;2012
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]]
*[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] Leader Class [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Generations|Starscream]]
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Utra Class Silverbolt]]
;2013
* [[Storm Cloud (G1)|Storm Cloud]]
*Titan Class [[Metroplex (G1)#Generations|Metroplex]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Roll Out Command Optimus Prime]]
*[[Kenzan#Go.21|Kenzan]]
* [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Leader Class Bulkhead]]
*[[Gekisoumaru#Go.21|Gekisoumaru]]
* [[Megatron (Animated)|Earth Mode Megatron]]
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#EnergizeElectronicOP|Energize Electronic Optimus Prime]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]]
;2014
 
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Lost Age Series|Battle Command Optimus Prime]]
==Trivia==
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Exprime|Optimus Exprime]]
[[Image:Speaker.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Starscream feels empty inside.]]
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#ElectronicPrimal|(Rescue Bots) Optimus Primal]]
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]] was the first ''Transformers'' toy to feature electronic sounds.
;2015
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Reissue Galvatron's]] soundbox was upgraded to use AA batteries instead of the original's nine-volt.
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Adventure|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave's]] Armada box noted that he had electronic sounds.  He did not.  Bummer.
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#TAV33|Optimus Prime Supreme Mode]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|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.
;2016
*[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]] Year of the Monkey [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Generations|Optimus Primal]]
*[[Cerebros (G1)#Generations|Cerebros]]
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Power Surge|Power Surge Optimus Prime]] & [[Aerobolt#Robots in Disguise (2015)|Aerobolt]]
*[[Starscream (WFC)#PowerHeroes|Power Surge Starscream]]
;2017
*[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]] [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP36|36 Megatron]]
*[[Transformers Movie The Best|Movie The Best]] Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#MB11|Optimus Prime]]
*[[2017#AllSpark_Tech_figures|Allspark Tech]]
** [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Allspark Tech|Optimus Prime]]
** [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#ATShadowSpark|Shadow Spark Optimus Prime]]
** [[Sqweeks#Allspark_Tech|Sqweeks]]
;2018
*Masterpiece [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP36Plus|36+ Megatron]]
;2019
*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==
[[File:Starscream soundbox.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|Starscream feels empty inside.]]
*[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#PurpleReissue|Reissue Galvatron]]'s soundbox was upgraded to use AA batteries instead of the original's nine volt PP3s.
*[[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]].
*[[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.


[[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 nine-volt battery and the snap connectors that went with it. Modern soundboxes are now powered by button cell batteries, AAA batteries, or AA batteries. 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]
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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