Soundbox: Difference between revisions
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A soundbox is a self-contained unit comprising 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 gimmicks go, and requires a fair amount of dedicated space. | A soundbox is a self-contained unit comprising 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 gimmicks 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PP3_battery nine-volt battery] and the snap connectors that went with it. Modern soundboxes are now powered by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Button_cell button cell batteries], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AAA_battery AAA batteries], or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AA_battery AA batteries. | 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PP3_battery nine-volt battery] and the snap connectors that went with it. Modern soundboxes are now powered by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Button_cell button cell batteries], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AAA_battery AAA batteries], or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AA_battery AA batteries]. | ||
Soundboxes have also become somewhat cheaper to manufacture, given their very sparse use in lines previous to [[Armada|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|2002]]. During Armada and after, the boxes became a common feature on larger figures. | ||
Revision as of 05:34, 25 July 2007
A soundbox is a stupid gimmick that ruins an adult collectible and turns it into a Playskool baby toy. Alternatively, it 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 comprising 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 gimmicks 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 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.
Trivia
- Generation 1 Shockwave was the first Transformers toy to feature electronic sounds.
- Reissue Galvatron's soundbox was upgraded to use AA batteries instead of the original's nine-volt.
