Soundwave (G1)/toys

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The truck guy's cool, but he will never be cool as this tape guy.

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

Toys

The Transformers

Soundwave superior. Nuff said.

• Soundwave And Condor Cassette: Buzzsaw (Decepticon, 1984-1986)
  • Japanese ID number: 17
  • Accessories (Hasbro release): Buzzsaw, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster
  • Accessories (Takara main release): Rumble, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, headphones, microphone, concussion blaster
  • Accessories (Takara "Cassette Man" release): Rumble or Frenzy or Laserbeak, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, headphones, microphone, concussion blaster

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 and "MC-10" on his cassette door. 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 cannon and a hand-held concussion blaster, 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. Originally in the Cassette Man release, the figure came with either Rumble, Frenzy or Laserbeak, as different releases and copies varied. Soundwave's 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.

• Patent info, price guide, and further reading on Soundwave at Transformerland.com
• 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. The version of Soundwave included in this set was (supposedly) the earlier, pre-running change version with individual buttons on his chest.

I see a blue 'Con and I want him painted black.

• 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

• 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.

Soundwave's instructions depict a different weapon than the one the toy actually comes with. The weapon depicted in Soundwave's instructions was available with Treadshot instead. As a consequence, several toy information websites and identification guides (including Generations) depict Soundwave with Treadshot's weapon, using the instructions as a reference.

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

Give me reason
To fill this hole

• Transformers Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition (September 23, 2013)
  • Accessories: Buzzsaw, Laserbeak, Ravage, Ratbat, 4 tape cases, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster

Linkin Park Soundwave is a gold and black redeco of Soundwave. He's packaged with Linkin Park gold redecoes of Ravage, Ratbat, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw (the last two which are completely identical) on a flocked-purple plastic tray inside a special commemorative box. He has no stickers, factory-applied or otherwise, but has a tampographed Linkin Park logo and Decepticon symbol. Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition was exclusive to SURU and limited to 2000 pieces.

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 TFU.info

• 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 TFU.info

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.

This toy was later repurposed to be a "next-generation" clone of Soundwave.

• 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 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide touring 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 redecoes that never made it to release. The cancellation was presumably a comparatively last-minute decision, since several 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 Robotmasters Double Face.

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 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 built-in slide, however, was removed for the Soundwave version of the figure. Also missing from this version of the toy are Stalker's hand-held missile launcher and accompanying ammunition, due to safety concerns over their small size.

This mold was also used to make the Universe incarnation of Soundwave and repurposed as a clone of Soundwave.

• More information on Machine Wars Soundwave at TFU.info

The 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 The 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 still 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 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 Class, 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, some incarnation of that OTHER 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 virtually 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, 2012)
  • 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. Per stringent child safety laws, his spring-loaded weapons were neutered.

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.

Soundwave was later re-released in Hasbro's Asian markets in slightly altered packaging that omitted the Toys"R"Us sticker (for obvious reasons) and changed the age recommendation from "Ages 8+" to "Ages 5+".

• 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 clenched fists (left & right), 2 gun-holding fists (left & right), 2 eject-button pose fists (left & right), headphones

Released as part of TakaraTomy's small Music Label toyline, this incarnation of Soundwave drags the character kicking and screaming into the digital age as a working MP3 player. Despite his new electronic abilities, Soundwave still transforms, in a manner virtually identical to his original Generation 1 figure, no less. He still comes with his trademark pair of weapons (although they no longer double as batteries, since he's got a real one in there now!) plus three sets of hands: two clenched, two for holding his guns, and two posed as if he is pressing his "eject" button.

Soundwave runs on a single AAA battery, lasting for about six hours of continuous play, and operates using a miniSD card; the packaging claims it can only support up to 1GB, but reports indicate it can actually take up to 2GB. The distinctive buttons on Soundwave's pelvis are now working buttons that control the player: play/pause/power, next, previous, volume up and volume down. Naturally, the player also comes with a set of headphones, but an optional accessory, sold separately, can take their place: a set of transforming headphones in the image of Rumble and Frenzy.

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. When the toy received a second production run later in the year, the "Sonic White" version was replaced with a new Soundblaster-inspired "Blaster Black" deco.

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

During one of Hasbro's designer panels at BotCon 2008, an audience member questioned the feasibility of releasing this figure in the 2008 Universe toy line, 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.)

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

Encore

Laserbeak: Prepare for flight. Operation: Nostalgia.

• 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 Transformers Encore series of reissues. Aside from a slightly lighter shade to his blue plastic and similar changes to his accompanying stickers, the figure remained unchanged from its previous reissues.

• Soundblaster (2012)
  • Japanese ID number: 21
  • Accessories: "Enemy", "Wingthing", tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster

Soundblaster was available again as part of TakaraTomy's Transformers Encore series of reissues. This release includes two new cassette partners: Enemy and Wingthing.

For this release Soundblaster features additional silver paint on his face plate and sides of his head, red metallic eyes instead of yellow, and the removal of the silver paint on his crest in an effort for animation accuracy. In addition he has a large Decepticon logo tampographed on his chest. All the label stickers from the previous releases of Soundblaster have been reproduced via tampographs as well, with the exception of the stickers for his weapons which come preapplied. The coloration of the blue labels has also been altered to replace some of the blue (but not all) with black.

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 fewer than four tapes: Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, and Ratbat.

• More information on Universe 2008 Soundwave at TFU.info

United

Let his metallic paint chip off, and he changes continuity families.

• Soundwave Cybertron Mode (December 25, 2010)
  • Japanese ID number: UN05
  • Accessories: Rifle, missile launcher

Part of the first wave of the United series, Soundwave is a repaint of War for Cybertron Deluxe Class Soundwave.

Retaining exactly the same plastic colors as his WFC toy, Soundwave instead features an extensive metallic blue/violet paint scheme that covers a majority of his vehicle mode (as well as some robot parts, like his head, for example). The purple highlights on the Hasbro version are replaced with a bright pink, the metallic details on his chest are a milder shade of gold, and his chest insignia is in full color.

Comically, the action-oriented stock photo on the back of his packaging has him mis-transformed. His hinged crotch has not been pegged to his main body, with the result looking like Soundwave wearing a diaper... again.

Kre-O

Easiest Microchanger ever: just remove everything from his torso.

• Sentinel Prime (2011)
  • Set number: 30687
  • Pieces: 386
  • Kreons: Sentinel Prime, Soundwave, Thundercracker, Fire Chief
  • Accessories: Scoped pistol

The Kre-O Sentinel Prime construction set comes with a Soundwave Kreon. He has an adorably creepy speaker-mouth under the helmet's faceplate.

• More information on Soundwave at TFU.info

• Soundwave (Custom Kreon, 2013)
  • Set number: A6090
  • Pieces: 36
  • Accessories: Rack, large cannon, Seeker arm rifle, scoped pistol, double-barreled pistol, rocket backpack, small wing-pack, curved blade

Part of the first assortment of "Custom Kreons", this version of Soundwave comes with a buildable parts rack on which to hang/store his many many extra pieces. His tampographs are much more heavily-detailed than the original Kreon, based on the original Soundwave toy. His "normal" helmet and grenade launcher are chromed, plus he comes with an extra clear-plastic helmet, torso and legs. He also has a pair of extra arms (originally from the Kre-O Battleship aliens), plus a buildable cannon based around the aforementioned chrome gun, a small scoped pistol, a double-barreled blaster, and a two-piece curved-blade sword.

He still has the adorably creepy speaker-mouth.

• Kreon Class of 1984 (Kreon figure set, 2014)
  • Set number: B0090
  • Voted: Class Gossip
  • Accessories: Blaster

This version of Soundwave, part of the Kreon Class of 1984, has much more elaborately toy-based tampographs than his prior versions. He comes with a blue version of the new blaster from the Age of Extinction Kre-O sets, and a back-brace piece that we guess is there for gun-mounting purposes. There's also a bunch of "cassettes" based on the various Recordicons packed in the box that ostensibly go with him, but are part of the big block of extra accessories and we're just filling space here.

The head under the helmet has no mouth whatsoever, which is somehow creepier than the speaker-mouths of the prior Kreons.

He was only available in the San Diego Comic-Con 2014 exclusive "Kreon Class of 1984" set of thirty Kreons, commemorating the franchise's thirty years. Remaining stock was to be sold online at Hasbro Toy Shop, but there was no remaining stock by the end of the convention.

• More information on Class of 1984 Soundwave at TFU.info

• Knight Soundwave (Kreon Warrior, 2015)
  • Set number: B0955
  • Collection: 2
  • Accessories: Stand-plate, clip-on bird, double-bladed pike, orc shield

Soundwave's second Kreon Warrior, also part of the second collection, is part of the Knight theme. He also has a clip-on "Laserbeak"-y bird, but this one is deco'd up to look wooden. His shield also bears a coat of arms featuring two bird heads and a feline head. What could that mean? Hmmmmm....

His helmet and accessories all hail from the Kre-O Dungeons & Dragons sets.

Like all the Kreons released that year (at normal retail at least), he uses the new 2015-tooling Kreon body, which basically involves small construction changes on every part below the head, making them largely incompatible with the prior Kreon parts (heads still work fine), but the new tooling adds some extra functionality and structural support.

The Kreon Warriors were only released in Canada, Australia, and various Asian markets. The individual bags had also abandoned any kind of coding that identified the contents. This means getting the one you want from an unopened bag involves either trying to feel out the unique parts, or just buying the whole dang case.

And be a juke. Box. Vil-lain.

• Wiseguy Soundwave (Kreon Warrior, 2015)
  • Set number: B0955
  • Collection: 2
  • Accessories: Stand-plate, clip-on bird, 2 pistols

Part of the second wave of Kreon Warriors, "Wiseguy Soundwave" is a 1920s gangster-styled Kreon. He sports a slicked-back gray wig, dual pistols, and a clip-on bird that's painted like Laserbeak and probably is meant to be Laserbeak but is not actually labeled "Laserbeak". His body tampographs suggest that he would turn into an old-timey jukebox. Awesome!

The lack of US distribution and lack of bag codes holds up here too.

File:Kre-O-Battle-Changers-2-pack-Soundwave.jpg

• Autobot Ratchet Vs. Soundwave (Battle Changer 2-pack, 2015)
  • Set number: B1507
  • Accessories: Blaster rifle

Available in a two-pack set with Ratchet, Battle Changers Soundwave is a built-up Kreon that transforms from robot to spaceship (somewhat resembling the Cybertron incarnation of Soundwave) and back without needing to be disassembled.

Soundwave is loaded out with four different partners. Frenzy and Rumble become twin-blaster pods that can be mounted on his wings or legs. Laserbeak becomes chest armor for Soundwave's robot mode, or a set of tailfins for spaceship mode. And Ravage just kinda hangs on Soundwave's jet-mode underside, but becomes a backpack with over-the-shoulder blasters for Soundwave's robot mode.

This set, like all the Battle Changers, originally only saw release in Canada, Australia, and Asian markets. It eventually saw release in the U.S. in late 2015 through discount stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

Generations

Fall of Cybertron

With all the downsizing, Soundwave's surprised he's gotten so big.

• Soundwave (Voyager Class, 2012)
  • Series / Number: 1 / #001
  • Japanese ID number: TG13
  • Accessories: Laserbeak/Data disc, shoulder cannon

The TakaraTomy release of Fall of Cybertron Soundwave was repurposed as Cloud Soundwave.

Part of the first wave of 2012 Voyager Class Generations Fall of Cybertron toys, Soundwave is a larger mold, and comes with a shoulder cannon which can peg (via 5mm post) into his hands, right shoulder, and roof/back.

He also comes with Legends Class Laserbeak, who utilizes Soundwave's main gimmick, storing and launching Laserbeak and other "data disc" minions. A button to the left of his head can be pressed to open his spring-loaded chest compartment, allowing up to three data discs to be stored inside. With discs stored, his back panel/roof now acts as a plunger, which can be moved forward in either mode to launch minions out. Launched minions should land on buttons on their undersides, thus triggering their spring-loaded transformation mechanisms and springing them into action! ...Hopefully.

As an undocumented feature, the seat on his vehicle roof holds Diaclone drivers. Additionally, Soundwave's trigger finger is molded into his left hand, presumably so he can push his own eject button.

For some reason, his stock photography and instructions depict him with the Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy's Ion blaster accessory, which isn't included with the final product.

The TakaraTomy release of Soundwave, part of the fourth wave of Japanese Generations toys, features different colors, using a more purple-ish metallic shade of blue and replacing almost all of his gray parts (the exceptions being his face and "grill") with a much darker metallic shade. It also features none of the red and yellow paint details on his arms and legs, and renders the seat on his roof black. He features new paint applications in addition to those not present from the Hasbro version.

Soundwave was redecoed and retooled into Autobot Blaster.

Platinum Edition

Laserbeak, eject. Operation: Hideous lack of taste

• Soundwave Year Of The Goat Edition (2015)
  • Accessories: Five microcassette cases, two Frenzy piledrivers, Frenzy piledriver mount, left & right Frenzy "Thruster Guns", two Rumble piledrivers, Rumble piledriver mount, left & right Rumble "Thruster Guns", energon cube & lid, display panel, concussion blaster, Megatron gun (consists of pistol, scope, silencer, & stock), sensor

This ToysRUs exclusive set packs in a redeco of the Masterpiece Soundwave mold (see below), with all of that release's Hasbro accessories, but is molded in a mix of orange and translucent plastic.

He also comes with similarly-decoed versions of Masterpiece Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Ravage, Decepticon Rumble, and Decepticon Frenzy.

Titans Return

Broadcasting live from Iacon Square Gardens

• Soundblaster & Soundwave (Leader Class, 2016)
  • Accessories: Soundblaster Titan Master partner, rifle, shoulder cannon, spotlight/rocket-sled

A redeco and retool of Autobot Blaster (you may have expected this), Soundwave is part of the second wave of Leader Class Titans Return figures, transforming from robot to soundbar to stage mode and back (or even his Cybertronian lamppost mode in the Generation 1 cartoon if you're feeling fiddly). In addition to Blaster's rifle and recolored rocket-sled, Soundwave also comes with his signature cannon "battery", which can plug into his shoulder, or store on his back while he in alt mode. He includes a Titan Master partner, Soundblaster, who can turn into his head or man Soundwave's 'stage' mode. Soundwave is also capable of holding Legends Class 'spy-tablet' figures in his chest compartment. Unlike most Titans Return toys, Soundwave doesn't have an obvious place to store Soundblaster when he's in stereo mode, although he can be inserted into the underside of the rocket sled, which in turn can be stored inside Soundwave's body, at the cost of available space for any of the Legends figures. Soundwave also features many (nonfunctional but realistic-size) device ports on his back and legs, such as dual-prong power ports, headphone jacks and USB ports.

Soundwave's instruction sheet contains an error where it says that his base mode is compatible with other Titans Return toys' base modes: it has Powermaster Optimus Prime labeled as "Autobot Blaster". Some toys have stress marks on the hatch that opens to hide his head in base and stereo mode even before opening the box.

This mold was redecoed into Golden Lagoon Soundwave, and further retooled into Bumblebee Soundwave.

Masterpiece

In late 2016, Hasbro Asia reissued Masterpiece MP-02 Soundwave under Generations co-branding. As it is a reissue, we'll just direct you to the main Masterpiece entry below instead of reproducing it all here.

War for Cybertron: Siege

"Well, I mean, we can't sell a street lamp..."

• Soundwave (Voyager Class, 2019)
  • ID number: WFC-S25
  • Japanese ID number: SG-24
  • Japanese release date: May 31, 2019
  • Accessories: "HI-KEP Concussion Blaster," "LR-HD Sonic Cannon," and "EMTX Blitz Charge Blaster" (all combine to form "USW HF Sonic Compression Mega-Blaster")

Part of the second wave of Siege Voyager Class figures, Soundwave transforms from a heavily G1-inspired robot to a rather unfocused "Patrol Hovercraft" and back. As noted by Hasbro designer John Warden, he also has an "easter egg" third mode—a “Cybertronian Sensor Lamp” inspired by his appearance in "More than Meets the Eye, Part 1". While not shown in the directions, an image of this mode can be found on the side flap of the bottom of the box of all places, as well as the side of the box when a black light is shone on it. Soundwave features an opening chest compartment that can accommodate his usual Cassettes Minicons Deployers Micromasters Laserbeak and Ravage, who are sold separately in the Micromasters assortment, and has his left index finger molded out so that he can be posed pressing his own 'eject' button, as well as slots on his arms for Laserbeak to (loosely) perch on. He also includes three weapons compatible with the C.O.M.B.A.T. System, two of which are based on his classic sonic blaster and shoulder cannon, and all three can combine to form the "USW HF Sonic Compression Mega-Blaster". Compared to his contemporaries in the Siege line, Soundwave is absolutely slathered in 'battle damage' paint applications all over his body, and unless one does this carefully, any attempts to remove said paint will result in his design-origin paint details being removed as well.

Soundwave features a light-piped yellow visor as an homage to his G1 toy, a rarity in modern Soundwave toys. His altmode is also slightly mistransformed in the secondary stock photos, with the entire lower body twisted around.

Soundwave's additional gun can be slotted onto the back of the Siege Voyager Megatron figure, perfectly mimicking his G1 gun barrel placement. Whether this was intentional or not is unclear.

This toy is one of the items that was released as part of Hasbro's Transformers 35th Anniversary promotional mailer box.

"Wait, not "New Soundwave""?

• Soundblaster (Voyager Class, 2019)
  • ID number: WFC-S63
  • Accessories: "M2 HI-KEP Concussion Blaster," "M2 LR-HD Sonic Cannon," "M2 EMTX Blitz Charge Blaster" (combine to form "M2 USW HF Sonic Compression Mega-Blaster")

A "Special Edition" figure for the 35th anniversary of the Transformers brand, Siege Soundblaster is a redeco and retool of the Voyager Class figure above, featuring a black paint job evoking his rebuilt form in The Headmasters. The figure retains the original's battle damage but has a red visor instead of yellow. As a nod to the original Headmasters toy, Soundblaster's chest door was retooled so that he could now hold two "Drone Armors" at once, though the increased storage space results in a very conspicuous chest protrusion.

Soundblaster and fellow 35th anniversary figure Bluestreak were exclusive to Walmart in the United States. They were also available at general retail in Taiwan and Singapore.

Masterpiece

Masterpiece mold: Soundwave
TakaraTomy: Masterpiece MP-13 Soundwave MP-13B Soundblaster Hasbro: Masterpiece MP-02 Soundwave Platinum Edition Soundwave Year of the Goat Edition
Shogo Hasui

Laserbeak, eject. Operation: let the fandom rejoice.

• Soundwave (January 26, 2013/September 28, 2013/2019)
  • ID number: MP-13
  • Accessories: Condor, Condor "case", energon cube & lid (three in total in the Amazon.co.jp version), display panel, concussion blaster, Megatron gun (consists of pistol, scope, silencer, & stock), sensor

Masterpiece Soundwave is a more intricately engineered version of his Generation 1 design, transforming into his classic tape deck alternate mode, but substantially thicker. His chest compartment still opens, of course, and remains scaled to accommodate the original Generation 1 mini-cassette figures, as well as the new Masterpiece mini-cassette figures, such as his pack-in partner, Condor. A spring-loaded panel inside his chest can be pushed back in increments to allow Soundwave to hold up to three cassettes at once; after one is removed, pressing a button on his back slides the panel forward, pushing the remaining cassettes up and putting the next into position, ready to be removed when his chest door is opened again. However, this feature is so finnicky that his instructions actually have to include a little segment telling owners what not to do with the toy to make sure it works.

Soundwave comes with his traditional concussion blaster weapon, and his non-firing rocket launcher is now an integrated, non-removable piece. Unlike the Generation 1 toy, both cannon and launcher do not become batteries for his alternate mode, instead storing on his back. He also comes with the wrist-mounted sensor from "Fire on the Mountain", and his forearm panel opens up to reveal sculpted speakers. He also comes with a retool of the Megatron gun originally released with Masterpiece MP-01 Convoy.

Additionally, Soundwave comes with an empty energon cube which can plug into his chest panel, and a grid-patterned display panel that also fits over his chest door. His instruction booklet includes two images that can be cut out and slipped between Soundwave's chest and the display panel to simulate readouts displayed in "More than Meets the Eye": the Decepticon space cruiser's blue prints and intel reports hacked from Teletraan I.

Soundwave and his accessories can also interact with the other Masterpiece mini-cassette figures in many other ways. Laserbeak or Buzzsaw can perch onto the tabs on Soundwave's shoulders and forearms. Soundwave can also wear Masterpiece Rumble and/or Frenzy's piledrivers on his forearms as cannons, and can store one set of Rumble or Frenzy's guns in compartments on Soundwave's feet/at the back of his tapedeck mode. Additionally, Soundwave's sensor can combine with Rumble and Frenzy's piledrivers to form the link cable used by Soundwave to hook up to a larger monitor in The Transformers: The Movie.

The edition purchased via Amazon.com in Japan came with two additional energon cubes. The Asian version includes a commemorative coin contained in a package looking like Soundwave's tapedeck mode.

For this release, some Soundwaves suffer from a paint error, leaving the small upside-down triangle on his forehead crest unpainted, though it is animation accurate.

Soundwave was re-released on September 28th, 2013 and again in 2019. The minor quality control issues with the re-release were lessened or not as widespread as the initial release. The 2019 re-release features slightly darker blue plastic, and painted red eyes.

... And Megatron makes seven Decepticons in one box.

• Soundwave (2013/2016)
  • ID number: MP-02
  • 09 OF 30
  • Accessories: Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Ravage, Decepticon Rumble, Decepticon Frenzy, five microcassette cases, two Frenzy piledrivers, Frenzy piledriver mount, left & right Frenzy "Thruster Guns", two Rumble piledrivers, Rumble piledriver mount, left & right Rumble "Thruster Guns", energon cube & lid, display panel, concussion blaster, Megatron gun (consists of pistol, scope, silencer, & stock), sensor

The Hasbro release of Masterpiece Soundwave features a slightly different deco than the Takara version, such as a yellow visor instead of a red one, and leaving the Rumble/Frenzy gun storage panels on his feet unpainted. All of the accessories included with the Takara release are ported over to the Hasbro set (with the exception of the cut-out images for use with his display panel), plus all five of the Masterpiece microcassettes. The cassettes also feature different decoes than their Takara counterparts (see their own articles for details), and their cases are cast in clear plastic instead of the translucent hot pink the Japanese versions came with. His highly truncated instructions omit any explanation of virtually all of his accessories, action features, and interactions with his minions. Finally, he has a designated number as part of the Thrilling 30 line.

Soundwave is exclusive to ToysЯUs stores. He was released earlier (with fellow Masterpiece Acid Storm) in limited numbers at San Diego Comic Con 2013.

Soundwave was also reissued in 2016 by Hasbro Asia under Generations co-branding, packaged with a mini die cast cassette player based on his alt mode. Some of the images in this picture were plagiarized for the promotion.

Ratbat eject, Operation: black paint job.

• Soundblaster (March 23, 2014)
  • Japanese ID number: MP-13B
  • Accessories: Ratbat, Ratbat "case", red energon cube & lid, purple display panel, concussion blaster, translucent red Megatron gun (consists of pistol, scope, silencer, & stock), sensor

Following tradition, Masterpiece Soundblaster is a black redeco of the first MP Soundwave figure. While the chest door is cast in toy accurate red, the additional display panel is cast in translucent purple allowing for optional cartoon accuracy. Soundblaster includes all of the other accessories included with Soundwave as well, with the energon cube and Megatron gun now being cast entirely in translucent red plastic, as well as Ratbat.

Construct-Bots

• Soundwave (Elite, 2013)
  • Pieces: 48

Part of Construct-Bots Wave 1 Elites, Soundwave can transform into a jet vaguely resembling his Unicron Trilogy incarnation. He is armed with two guns (depicted as gold in stock photography, but blue on the actual toy) and two weapons, resembling his Generation 1 shoulder cannon, that become engines in jet mode.

He also comes with a translucent purple storage tray complete with lid and Decepticon insignia.

• More information on Construct-Bots Soundwave at TFU.info

"Laserbeak: Eject. Operation: Hammer Time!"

• Arsenal Pack Soundwave (2014)
  • Pieces: 58

Arsenal Pack Soundwave is a slight redeco of the previous release, changing the light blue pieces to purple. He also includes new acessories, such as an orange hammer and four black guns.

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

Bot Shots

Looks like "Operation: Bot Shots" failed.

• Soundwave (2013)
  • Number: B015
    • Fist strength: ???
    • Blaster strength: ???
    • Sword strength: 368

Presumably part of Wave 4 of Bot Shots Series 2, Soundwave is a Flip Shot. His robot mode is directly based in his Generation 1 counterpart, while his vehicle mode is kind of a garbage truck with giant boomboxes in the sides.

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

Hero Mashers

File:HeroMashers Soundwave.jpg

Soundwave Beefier.

• Soundwave (Battle Upgrade, 2014)
  • Pieces: 14

Part of the second wave of Battle Upgrade Hero Mashers toys, Soundwave is a non-transforming robot whose parts are removable and interchangeable with any other Hero Mashers figure. He includes his iconic shoulder cannon and hand-held blaster (with an absurdly-long handle) as well as several gold weapons that can clip onto several ports on his body. He also includes Sideswipe's arm.

Q-Transformers

• Soundwave (August 29, 2015)
  • ID number: QT-27

A retool of QT-09 Optimus Prime, Q-Transformers Soundwave transforms from a super deformed Nissan GT-R R35 to a cute little robot. Unlike most Q-Transformers retools which only have new heads, Soundwave also sports newly molded legs in place of Prime's iconic truck-bed-legs.

• Decepticons 3-Figure Set (2016)
  • ID number: QTFS-02

During the second Q-Transformers series, the Soundwave toy was available in a three-pack alongside Megatron and Shockwave. He is identical to the original Q-Transformers toy.

Xiaomi / Transformers

This device is not compatible with your version of Yatter.

• Soundwave (2016)

The result of a team-up between Hasbro and Chinese consumer electronics company Xiaomi, Soundwave transforms from an officially licensed Mi Pad 2 tablet to a Voyager-sized robot in 30 steps. The transformation is accomplished through a series of clever folds and wraps to achieve a three-dimensional robot mode from such a flat and thin alternate mode. The robot mode lacks neck movement but otherwise features decent articulation with tiny ratchet joints. He is armed with a large blaster rifle, a shield, and even a Ratbat-like minion that is formed from some of his kibble. The head sculpt shares a lot of similar structures with the Movie version of Soundwave, but with facial elements from G1 Soundwave. His instruction booklet is die-cut into a Decepticon symbol. As an added little easter egg, the Mi Pad logo is sculpted into the base of his robot mode neck, though it is covered when the halves of his head are aligned in robot mode.

The figure's production was funded primarily through crowdfunding. Backers could pledge a minimum of 169 Yuan (or $26) to receive the figure if their funding goal was met. The amount of pledges more than tripled their goal amount which may lead to a wider release for the figure.

Whether by design or coincidence, the Mi Pad's camera ends up on the robot mode's right shoulder where Soundwave usually has his iconic shoulder cannon.

• Article and promotional video available on engadget.com
  

Shattered screen for increased accuracy.

• Transformers Evolution Soundwave (2016)

This Soundwave is a redeco of the figure above, replacing gold with silver. Soundwave was available at Hasbro’s booth in San Diego Comic-Con 2016, and subsequently on HasbroToyShop.com. Amusingly, on the latter website this toy's listing name is "Transformers Evolution Soundwave Alternate If Needed: Transformers Soundwave Convention Exclusive Figure Featuring Tablet Mode" [sic].

Legends

It's been a while...since I got my new body.

• Soundwave (December 28, 2016)
  • Japanese ID number: LG36
  • Accessories: Rifle, Rocket Sled/Spotlight, Headmaster

Legends Soundwave is a redeco of Titans Return Leader Class Soundwave, who is a retool of Blaster. Soundwave also features a deco based on both his toy and his cartoon appearances. Notably, his small Headmaster form's colors are based on Soundblaster (no, not that Soundblaster), his rebuilt form.

Vintage G1

• Soundwave & Condor Cassette: Buzzsaw (June 2019)
  • Accessories: Buzzsaw, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster

Vintage G1 Soundwave is a Walmart-exclusive reissue of the Generation 1 toy, including "Condor Cassette Buzzsaw." Like most other reissues (including Hasbro's previous Universe release), it appears to be based on the running change Japanese version of the original figure, with a door that can only hold one cassette but still with the unified buttons.

Stock photos show a tampographed Decepticon logo on Soundwave's tape door/chest; but the figure does not include a rubsign, as Vintage G1 Starscream and Hot Rod do. Recreating the original G1 look-and-feel, the box photos perpetuate the 30+ year old error of placing two black and red stickers intended for the weapons onto Soundwave's legs/front face of the cassette player mode; these are not affixed in-package, enabling the buyer to make their own choice as to where the stickers should be placed.

Golden Lagoon

Get down girl, go 'head, get down.

• Soundwave (February 10, 2019)
  • Accessories: Headmaster, rifle, shoulder cannon, spotlight/rocket sled

Golden Lagoon Soundwave is a redeco of the Titans Return figure, now in gold end gold-chromed color scheme, based on his appearance in the titular episode. Unlike said episode, his tape door remains clear, rather than gold opaque. He retains his previous base mode and comes with a removable Headmaster for his head.

This figure debuted at Winter Wonder Festival 2019.

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

Marvel G1 Soundwave: A deadly effective characterization that went on to inform the character for decades! The colors? Not so much...

• 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.)
• Despite the incalcuably massive number of Soundwave toys that exist on Earth, Hasbro and Takara have never released a Soundwave toy depicting his Marvel Comics-Nelson Yomtov originated fuschia color-scheme. It's a look that just-so-happens to be the original fictional depiction of the character and also totally anomalous among the numerous Blue/Black Soundwaves and Soundblasters that fans are used to seeing. Such a cruel irony, isn't it?

Pimp My Ride.

• "Years ago", Don Figueroa created a concept drawing for a potential SUV-esque Soundwave toy for Classics. Presumably, this toy would have been Voyager-sized. Despite the fandom's immediate assumptions, Transformers Animated character designer Derrick J. 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.
• The "Stealth Bumblebee" set includes a tiny buildable "cassette recorder" that includes a sticker of Soundwave's recorder mode. You wanna say it's Soundwave? Go right ahead on. It's what the Kre-O manga did, after all.
• Some of the writers of Ask Vector Prime planned to characterize the 2003 Universe Soundwave toy and its package-mate Space Case as female and part of the 2001 Robots in Disguise continuity family. A backstory that was written for them were that they were known as the "Decepti-Sister Idols", infamous for using their melodic voices and feminine charm to make the Autobots incapable of stopping them from committing certain crimes. Ultimately, however, this idea did not come to fruition.