Soundwave (G1)/toys

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Soundwave: popular. Amount of merchandise: sufficient for its own page.

Toys

Generation 1

Soundwave superior. Nuff said.

• Soundwave (Decepticon, 1984-1986)
  • Japanese ID number: 17
  • Accessories (Hasbro release): Buzzsaw, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"
  • Accessories (Takara release): Rumble, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "Concussion Blaster", headphones, microphone

Soundwave began life as the Micro Change toy "Cassette Man", and went mostly unchanged when he was imported by Hasbro to become part of the Transformers toyline, save for exclusion of some accessories, and the removal of a molded "Cassette Man" logo on his stomach. He transforms into a realistically-sized blue and silver microcassette recorder, complete with an opening cassette door that can accommodate any of the numerous Mini-Cassette figures, and came packaged with Buzzsaw to fully exploit and advertise this interactive gimmick. Soundwave is armed with a shoulder-mounted "concussion blaster" cannon and a hand-held rocket launcher, which both transform into imitation batteries that store in a compartment on his back while he is in his alternate mode. The Hasbro instructions mistakenly state that a pair of trapezoid-shaped stickers intended to decorate these batteries should be attached to Soundwave's legs

Takara's release of Soundwave reinstated the extra Cassette Man accessories that Hasbro had excluded from their release: a set of headphones and a microphone, both non-functioning. To further emulate Cassette Man, Takara's Soundwave came with Rumble, rather than Buzzsaw, and a clear plastic case that he could fit into in tape mode, and his rocket launcher featured a spring-loaded firing mechanism that Hasbro had removed, as they did with all such features at the time. Takara also made a running change to the mold, re-sculpting the recessed buttons on Soundwave's pelvis into one solid, protruding piece, and moving the cassette door's hinge from inside the figure's chest to a lower, external position on either side of this new button assembly. This modification became the standard for all subsequent re-uses of the Soundwave mold.

Aside from the aforementioned button remold, Soundwave's first notable modification was the addition of a heat-sensitive rubsign to his chest in 1985. The popularity of Soundwave and his interactive tape gimmick was evident from an early stage: his toy continued to be sold throughout 1986, after the vast majority of his 1984 brethren had been removed from toy shelves, and Mini-Cassette partners continued to be produced for him even after this, through 1988. Soundwave was subsequently reissued several times over the years, and this article lists each distinct edition of the figure under its own heading.

• More information on Soundwave at TFU.info

• Grimlock vs Soundwave (1985)
  • Japanese ID number: VSY
  • Accessories: Frenzy, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"

Prior to modifying his buttons, Takara also released Soundwave in a "versus" set along with Grimlock, lacking the additional headphone and microphone accessories and partnered with Frenzy instead of Rumble. The set also included an audio cassette, and has become the rarest of the three "VS" sets Takara produced.

Once you go black, you can never go b—

• Soundblaster (Decepticon, 1987)
  • Japanese ID number: D-101
  • Accessories: Buzzsaw, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"

As part of the Japanese Headmasters series, Soundwave was redecoed in a new black and red color scheme, and his chest door was retooled so that he could now hold two cassettes at once. Soundblaster came packaged with Buzzsaw, who now sported a new sticker which would reveal the weak spot of Fortress Maximus when placed behind Soundblaster's translucent red chest door, in the same manner that Tech Specs decoders worked. The figure's stickers, however, retain Soundwave's blue coloration instead of being changed to work with Soundblaster's black.

• More information on Soundblaster at TFU.info

—uh, never mind.

• Soundwave with Wingthing (Action Master, 1990)
  • Accessories: "Photon Negator" rifle

Part of the very first wave of Action Masters, Soundwave is a non-transforming action figure which combines elements of his cartoon model and original toy. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. He came packaged with his new partner, Wingthing.

• More information on Soundwave (Action Master) at TFU.info

Transform Jr

• Soundwave (Gōkin, 1986)
  • Japanese ID number: 17
  • Accessories: Cassette, launcher, 2 missiles

Released during the early portion of the Transform Jr toyline when it was still going by the short lived "Transform Gōkin" name, Jr Soundwave is a smaller, simplified version of the original Generation 1 toy, lacking many stickers and paint applications, as well as the larger figure's retractable fists and the spring-activated release for his chest door. The chest door can still be manually opened, though, and Soundwave comes with a cassette partner to fit inside, albeit a non-transforming one (it's basically just a rectangle of plastic with a sticker on it; from the pattern on the sticker, it might be Rumble). He comes with only one gun, which can be placed either on his shoulder or in his fist, and features die-cast metal parts in his legs.

• More information on Transform Gōkin Soundwave at a Japanese fan site

• Soundblaster (Jr, 1987)
  • Japanese ID number: D-101
  • Accessories: Cassette, launcher, 2 missiles

Just as his larger toy was, Jr Soundwave was redecoed and retooled to become Soundblaster the following year, sporting a black coloration and an enlarged chest door (though the door itself remains colorless, lacking the distinctive red tint of the large Soundblaster figure). Soundblaster retains all of Soundwave's accessories and features; the sticker for his non-transformable cassette partner remains the same, looking a lot like Rumble despite Soundblaster's package art now showing Buzzsaw.

• More information on Transform Jr Soundblaster at a Japanese fan site

Generation 2

File:G2 Gobot Soundwave toy.jpg

The goggles, they do nothing.

• Soundwave (Go-Bot, 1995)
  • Accessories: Gun

A redeco of the Go-Bot Gearhead, Soundwave transforms into a NASCAR-style Ford Thunderbird stock car with precision wheels and wire axles, compatible with "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" playsets and tracks (which he was properly sized to fit). His exceptionally loud color scheme, being composed of bright shades of fluorescent yellow, pink and blue, is one of the few times fans can actually get away with describing a toy as "neon".

Soundwave was one of only three Go-Bots released in Japan by Takara, on a normal Hasbro card with stickers over key parts to add Japanese text to the mix. The other two releases, Optimus Prime and Megatron, were not too heavily altered, aside from the addition of Soundwave's distinctive large "T" hood deco to their own bonnets, but Soundwave himself was significantly altered: while his car shell remains fluorescent yellow, his internal parts are the same as the opaque version of his predecessor, Gearhead.

This mold was also used to make various versions of Robots in Disguise W.A.R.S. and the Universe incarnation of Camshaft. It was planned to be used to make Generation 2 Greasepit, but that toy was canceled.

• More information on Soundwave (Go-Bot) at TFU.info

File:LaserCycleSoundwave.jpg

His bio actually says this isn't his favorite form. No foolin'.

• Soundwave (Laser Cycle, unreleased)

This planned redeco of the Laser Cycle Road Pig would have seen Soundwave transform to a blue and silver Honda Goldwing motorcycle, with an LED-lit tailpipe that became an arm-mounted weapon in robot mode. Ultimately, however, it ended up as one of several planned late-1995 Generation 2 redecos that never made it to release. The cancellation was presumably a comparatively last-minute decision, since sevearl of these toys, including Soundwave and fellow Laser Cycle redeco Jazz, were solicited in various store catalogues, such as the Sears Wish Book. Some packaged samples of this toy do exist, but there are estimated to be less than a dozen in existence.

This mold was later retooled to make Robots in Disguise Axer and Robot Masters Sideways.

Your bargaining posture is highly dubious. Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Machine Wars

File:MW Soundwave toy.jpg

Not my scene, baby!

• Soundwave (Mega, 1997)
  • Accessories: Giant missile, radar dish

Originally a KB Toys exclusive, Machine Wars Soundwave is a redeco of the Predator Stalker, transforming into a grey and burgundy tracked ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile) carrier of probably made-up model. His ICBM can mount on either shoulder or his back in robot mode, and retains Stalker's the Megavisor gimmick; a panel on the top slides open to reveal a port for the smaller Predator jets to attach to, allowing their Megavisor slides to be viewed through the "scope" of the missile. Stalker's own unique build-in slide, however, was removed for the Soundwave version of the figure. Stalker also came with a handgun and set of firing missiles that were likewise omitted for this toy as a result of safety concerns over their small size.

This mold was also used to make the Universe incarnation of Soundwave.

• More information on Machine Wars Soundwave at TFU.info

Transformers Collection

• Soundwave (2003)

  

  • Japanese ID number: TFC-10
  • Accessories: Laserbeak, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"

The first reissue of Soundwave's original toy was released as part of Takara's Transformers Collection, and this time came with Laserbeak. The toy reinstates Soundwave's chest-mounted Decepticon symbol, relocating the rubsign to the cover of his battery compartment, but otherwise features no notable differences from the original, post-button-remold version of the figure. This was, however, many international fans' first exposure to Soundwave's modified button mold, and it was erroneously assumed by many that the change had been first made for this release as an artefact of modifying the Soundblaster mold back into Soundwave.

• Soundblaster (2005)
  • Japanese ID number: TFC-18
  • Accessories: Ravage, Buzzsaw, 2 tape cases, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"

Not ones to waste the opportunity now that they had the mold back in action, Takara also reissued Soundblaster as part of the Transformers Collection, sweetening the deal by including not just his original partner Buzzsaw, but also the first reissue of Ravage. Despite the opportunity, they didn't change the color of Soundblaster's stickers from Soundwave-blue to black.

Smallest Transforming Transformers

Size: small. Taste: Big

• Soundwave (2003-2004)
  • Japanese ID number: GTF 05
  • Accessories: Rocket launcher, "concussion blaster"

Standing at only two inches tall, Smallest Transforming Transformers Soundwave is a this version of Soundwave is an extremely small-scale replica of his original Generation 1 toy. Although his retracting fists, rotating head and missile accessories are left out, the figure otherwise retains a surprising amount of the original toy's functions and features, including the ability to store his weapons as batteries and an opening chest door. This opening chest accommodates Soundwave's in-package partner, Smallest Transforming Transformers Ravage, who is probably the smallest Transformer ever.

Soundwave was originally released as part of the first Smallest Transforming Transformers wave, and was then made available again in the limited-availability "Wave 2.5" the following year, without changes. In both instances, as with the rest of the figures in the line, he was sold in blindpacked packaging.

• More information on Smallest Transforming Transformers Soundwave at TFU.info

Universe (2003)

Now, let's see Space Case jump out of Soundwave's chest!

• Soundwave & Space Case (Ultra, 2004)
  • Accessories: Giant missile, radar

The Machine Wars version of Soundwave was redecoed in blue and yellow for release in the Universe line. Sold in an Ultra-level two-pack with Space Case, it retains basically all the same neutered gimmicks from the previous release of the mold.

Due to the lack of fiction for either toy in the set, it is possible that this incarnation is in fact an alternate-universe version of Soundwave, or possibly even a new character altogether.

• More information on Universe Soundwave at TFU.info

Titanium Series

He's the "manliest" Soundwave ever!

• Soundwave (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
  • Accessories: Laserbeak, rocket launcher, "concussion blaster", display base

Titanium Series Soundwave is a new toy cast in the image of his original Generation 1 figure, still transforming through a virtual identical process into a microcassette player mode. He retains his transforming weapons, which still store as batteries in a compartment on his back, and his opening chest door, which accommodates the diminutive transforming Laserbeak figure packaged with him. Soundwave comes with the standard display base that all other 6" Titanium Series figures come with, and a unique nameplate.

Titanium Soundwave has been the subject of much criticism among fans, simply because the toy is patently inferior to the original Generation 1 figure that it seeks to emulate, despite being made with modern toy technology. In particular, its disproportionate, oddly-shaped crotch area makes it look like Soundwave is wearing a diaper, and its poor leg engineering makes it virtually impossible for them to stay extended, and as a result, the toy is barely able to stand up. The cumulative effect is a Soundwave who is not unlike a baby.

• More information on Titanium Series Soundwave at TFU.info

• Soundblaster (6" Cybertron Heroes, unreleased)
  • Accessories: Ravage, rocket launcher, "concussion blaster", display base

A planned redeco of Titanium Soundwave in his black and red Soundblaster colors, this toy would have come with a new Titanium version of Ravage instead of Laserbeak. Although displayed at BotCon 2007, Soundblaster was ultimately canceled along with many other solicited 6" Cybertron Heroes, but this did not stop him from appearing as a cross-sell on the packaging for Titanium Prowl in late 2008 (which claimed he would have been "also available" as of November 2008), as Hasbro was unwilling to spend the resources on altering the packaging for these already-complete products.

Your bargaining posture is highly dubious. Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Classics

Ravage, Laserbeak: Eject. Operation: Reissue.

• Soundwave (Commemorative Edition, 2007)
  • Accessories: Laserbeak, Battle Ravage, 2 tape cases, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"

Hasbro's first reissue of the original Soundwave toy was originally intended to be part of their Commemorative Series of Generation 1 reissues, but when that line was cancelled, it was instead released as part of the Classics toyline. The phrase "Commemorative Edition" is prominently displayed on the front and sides of the box, though, and it remains exclusive to Toys"R"Us, as all Commemorative Edition toys were.

Despite both the packaging's claim that it is "identical to the original toy," and the image on the packaging showing Soundwave with his traditional chest-door, the figure actually sports the double-wide door of Soundblaster (complete with extra tech-detailing), which allows him to carry both of his pack-in partners, Laserbeak and "Battle" Ravage. In an unusual move for a Hasbro release, the set also includes two clear-plastic cassette cases for the two tapes, previously only included with Takara versions of the figures.

Sadly, in the Canadian markets, this version of Soundwave was pushed back over a year from the original release date, and very few Toys "R" Us' had them. Dang.

• More information on Classics Soundwave at TFU.info

Music Label

Soundwave finally enters the digital age after only what, twenty-three years?

• Soundwave Playing Audio Player (2007)
  • Accessories: Electric launcher, "Wave Bluster", 2 closed fists (left & right), 2 gun-holding pose fists (left & right), 2 eject-button pose fists (left & right), headphones

Released by TakaraTomy's Music Label (which also puts out a not-half-as-cool Convoy iPod stand), Soundwave is an MP3 player which takes a miniSD card. The box says it can take up to 1 GB, but many claims have shown it can support up to 2 GB. The player uses 1 AAA battery. An optional accessory, sold separately, features headphones that transform into Frenzy and Rumble. The player also features a transformation almost entirely accurate to his Generation 1 appearance. He also comes with two additional sets of hands (one pair for holding his rifle, the other to pose as if pushing his eject button), his shoulder cannon, and a sidearm. It's totally awesome to so many degrees.

Controls

• Play/Pause (Press and hold for three seconds to power on or off)
• Next
• Previous
• Volume Up
• Volume Down.

It also treats Folders as Albums.

File:MusicLabel Soundwave whiteblack.jpg

Actually is Shattered Glass Soundwave

An LED behind the "cassette" door turns on and flashes to indicate the power's on. The single AAA battery lasts for about 6 hours of continuous play. Soundwave was initially released in two color schemes: "Spark Blue", his normal blue and silver colors; and "Sonic White", a mostly white color scheme with some blue detailing, echoing the traditional iPod color scheme. While the "Spark Blue" version reappeared in a second production run, the "Sonic White" version was replaced with "Blaster Black". In this deco, the figure bears a deliberate resemblance to Soundblaster. However, the packaging and other materials still refer to it as "Soundwave".

The "Sonic White" version was also later repurposed as the mirror-universe Shattered Glass Soundwave.

• More information on Music Label Soundwave (Sonic White) at TFU.info
• More information on Music Label Soundwave (Blaster Black) at TFU.info

Encore

• Soundwave (2007)
  • Japanese ID number: 03
  • Accessories: Laserbeak, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"

The original Soundwave toy was made available once again as part of TakaraTomy's Encore series of reissues. Aside from a slightly lighter shade to his blue plastic, the figure remained unchanged from its previous reissues.

Universe (2008)

• Soundwave (Exclusive, 2009)
  • Accessories: Laserbeak, Ravage, Buzzsaw, Ratbat, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"

In 2009, Hasbro released yet another reissue of Soundwave as part of the Universe line, this time as a Hasbro Toy Shop exclusive that was prominently offered at San Diego Comic-Con 2009. After Hasbro's last reissue of the figure had used the double-sized Soundblaster chest door, this version of Soundwave reinstated his original door, and came packaged with no less than four tapes: Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ratbat.

• More information on Universe 2008 Soundwave at TFU.info

Merchandise

Transformers Design Center

• Design Center (1984)

Manufactured by Arrow, the Soundwave Design Center was a box in the general shape and likeness of Soundwave which contained various arts and crafts projects for young tykes to entertain themselves with. His head pulled out to reveal a ruler, one arm contains a hilariously dinky and useless pair of "scissors", his lower legs contained rubbing-transfer panels, and the entire back worked as a sort of pantograph machine - attaching a nib to one end of the large mechanical armature ostensibly allowed you to 'remote draw' designs on the included plates.

Transformers Cassette Player

Teddy Ruxpin comparisons: unappreciated.

• Cassette Player (1985)

A non-Transforming cassette player in the shape of Soundwave in his robot mode (oh the irony!), made by Hasbro in 1985. It runs on 3 C batteries (not included, of course).

Decoy

• Soundwave (Decoy, 1986)
  • Decoy ID number:

Coming packaged at random on carded Transformers toys during 1986, Decoy Soundwave is a soft-rubber figure depicting his robot mode. Like all Decepticon Decoys, Soundwave was available in both purple and red, with the red version being considerably rarer.

Super Collection Figure/Heroes of Cybertron

File:HOC-figure Soundwave.JPG

• Soundwave (2001)

A three-inch tall PVC figurine of Soundwave was available in the third wave of Takara's Super Collection Figure line. Like all the figures in the wave, it was available as both a standard full color figure and a colorless clear plastic version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve blindpacked figures. Additionally, in eight out of every ten cases, the color version of Soundwave came with the right arm of the wave's collectable Fortress Maximus "build-a-figure".

• Soundblaster (2002)

Soundwave's PVC was recolored into his black Headmasters incarnation, Soundblaster, for the sixth SCF wave. This time, the figure was available in a variant metallic silver "pewter" color scheme, at the same ratio of one each per standard case. Pewter Soundblaster came packaged with the right leg of this wave's Grand Maximus build-a-figure.

• Soundwave (2003)

The original Soundwave SCF figure was later released by Hasbro as part of the third wave of the Heroes of Cybertron series. Like all figures in the line, this release of Soundwave differed from his SCF counterpart by being cast entirely in translucent red plastic and then painted over, save for his eyes, allowing for a light-piping effect. Rather than being blindpacked, Soundwave was sold on an individual blister pack with a profile card included.

Hard Hero

• Soundwave (2002)

The fourth in Hard Hero's series of Transformers busts, Soundwave is 6 inches tall and made out of cold-cast porcelain. 100 copies of the bust were signed by sculptor Jason Ray.

MyClone

• Soundwave (2003)

MyClone Soundwave is a small super deformed figure who, due to a generic base body, can be easily disassembled and have his parts swapped with other MyClones. He was released in the line's second wave.

Generation 1 Figure-Collection

• Soundwave (2003)
  • Japanese ID number: C-3
  • Accessories: Display base

At only one inch in height, this Soundwave "bottlecap" figurine (so named because its display base is the size of a bottlecap) was one of fourteen blindpacked figures available in Kabaya's Transformers Generation 1 Figure-Collection. The figure was rendered in a "retro" black and white color scheme, and came with a leaflet, personalized with cartoon screen captures.

• More information on the Generation 1 collection at Autobase Aichi

Titanium Series

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• Soundwave (3" Robot Masters, unreleased)
  • Accessories: Decepticon stand

Soundwave was also planned to be released as a 3" Robot Masters non-transformable figurine, though it never saw release.

Your bargaining posture is highly dubious. Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

• Soundblaster (3" Robot Masters, unreleased)
  • Accessories: Decepticon stand

A 3" Soundblaster was also advertised on catalogues included with some of the last Titanium toys to be released, and was also canceled. In fact, this figure has never even been seen... but we feel pretty confident saying it would have been a redeco of the unreleased Soundwave figure.

Your bargaining posture is highly dubious. Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Transformers - Wall Plaque

Arrival: Imminent. Party: Started.

• Soundwave (Diamond Select, 2006)

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2006, Soundwave was sculpted by Art Asylum and limited to 1,000 pieces. He is seen emerging from the space bridge with Rumble, Laserbeak, and Ravage in tow.

Transformers - Mini Bust

An elegant but succinct summation.

• Soundwave (Diamond Select, 2007)

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2007, Soundwave was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum and limited to 1,000 pieces. The sculpt features both his concussion blaster gun and shoulder cannon with Laserbeak perched on his left shoulder. His tape deck altmode is sculpted on the base of the bust.

So this is what having your own mold feels like.

• Sound Blaster (Diamond Select, 2008)

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Sound Blaster was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum, limited to 1,000 pieces. He comes with Ratbat perched on his shoulder, and a scale version of Frenzy in tape mode that can be freely removed. This is Sound Blaster's first North American release. His name has been changed from "Soundblaster" to "Sound Blaster".

His Tech Spec contains some interesting new information, notably that his body was reconstructed using technology stolen from Nebulos and his shoulder cannon is now an "electric launcher" capable of firing charged particles at 38,000 volts. His tech spec stats are STR 10 INT 7 SPD 8 END 10 RNK 9 CRG 10 FBL 10 SKL 8 and completely different from the ones on his original Japanese release. His motto reads "Volume the same, destructive power doubled."

Attacktix

I like big blasters and I can not lie!

• Soundwave (Booster, 2007)

Part of a planned second series of Transformers Attacktix boosters, Soundwave was to be a 30-point "Leader" class piece.

Your bargaining posture is highly dubious. Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Robot Heroes

• Bumblebee & Soundwave (2007)

Be vewy, vewy qwiet...

Robot Heroes Soundwave is a soft-plastic figurine sculpted in a super-deformed style, with joints at his head and shoulders (although his shoulder cannon prevents his big head from turning to the right). He came in a two-pack with Bumblebee.

• More information on Robot Heroes Soundwave at TFU.info

Mighty Muggs

Mass status:round. Solution: blame Starscream...

• Soundwave (2009)
  • Accessories: Gun

This super-deformed, non-transformable Soundwave figure uses the standard Mighty Muggs body template, with swivel joints in his neck and arms. His colors are based on those of his original toy, including yellow eyes and even having a painted "screw" behind his head, and he comes with a super-deformed version of his concussion blaster.

Notes

• According to an interview in the magazine Otaku USA (issue 3, pg. 102-3), the original Microchange toy and the accompanying cassettes were at least partially designed by famed mecha designer and anime director Shinji Aramaki. He did not come up with the transformation scheme, but designed most of the outward appearance and details. He also worked on the toys that became the deluxe Insecticons, Reflector, and Perceptor.

• Including the Microchange "Cassette Man" version, the original Soundwave mold has sported at least four different tape doors:
  • The original MC-10 version had a cassette door that had "Cassette Man" emblazoned on it and featured a hinge that was internal to the robot's body.
  • For the initial Transformers release by Hasbro, the "Cassette Man" text was removed.
  • When Takara released the Transformers version of Soundwave in Japan, they retooled the hinge so the bottom of the door attached to the outside of the robot, on either side of the "buttons", which had also been retooled. Both versions of Soundwave were available in Japan, making the retool a running change variant.
  • The Soundblaster version had a door that retained the external hinge and added the capacity for holding a second cassette.

Pimp My Ride.

• The Decepticon faction insignia appears to be roughly based on Soundwave's head, or vice versa.

• Though Soundwave's toy is a microcassette recorder, his fictional appearances depict him as a stereo cassette deck or Walkman. (Likewise, his microcassette tapes are depicted as regular audio cassettes.)

• "Years ago", Don Figueroa created a concept drawing for a potential SUV-esque Soundwave toy — either for Alternators or Classics, he no longer remembers — which went unused.[1] Despite the fandom's immediate assumptions, Transformers Animated character designer Derrick Wyatt has said that this particular design did not in fact influence the Animated version of Soundwave, meaning any resemblance between the two is coincidental.

• During one of Hasbro's designer panels at BotCon 2008, an audience member questioned the feasibility of releasing the Music Label Soundwave toy in the 2008 Universe toyline, but without the expensive MP3 player electronics. Bizarrely, Hasbro design director Aaron Archer gave a seemingly prepared statement that did not answer the question at all, and instead stated that Hasbro were unlikely to release Music Label Soundwave in their markets due to the obscurity of the MiniSD memory card format. (For what it's worth, Hasbro's Greg Lombardo had given an actual answer to the same question at BotCon 2007, when he stated that ML Soundwave's innards are so devoted to electronics that removing them might adversely impact the leftover toy's appearance and stability.)