Soundwave (G1)/toys

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

Toys

Generation 1

Soundwave superior. 'Nuf said.

• Soundwave (Decepticon, 1984/1985, 2003, 2007)
  • Japanese ID number: 17, TFC-10
  • Accessories: Rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "Concussion Blaster" gun

Soundwave transforms into a realistically sized microcassette recorder of indeterminate manufacture and includes weapons that turn into imitation batteries to power his nonexistent circuitry. Takara's release of Soundwave in the Transformers line was nearly identical to the Microchange "MC-10 Cassette Man" toy on which he was based. This meant that along with being packaged with Rumble (previously a red "MC-01 Micross"), he came with a set of non-functioning headphones that allowed you not to listen to the silence not recorded on his non-functioning tapes with the non-functioning microphone. Hasbro packaged Soundwave with Buzzsaw rather than Rumble and omitted the other non-functioning accessories.

Soundwave was included in the VS-Y versus pack along with Rumble and Grimlock.

In 2003, Soundwave was reissued as part of Takara's Transformers Collection "book-box" series. This iteration of Soundwave was packaged with Laserbeak.

Another reissue of Soundwave and Laserbeak was seen in 2007 with Takara's Transformers Encore series. This release featured significantly lighter blue and tweaked stickers to match this new shade.

Once you go black, you can never go b—

• Soundblaster (Decepticon, 1987, 2005)
  • Japanese ID number: D-101, TFC-18
  • Accessories: Rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "Concussion Blaster" gun

As part of the Japanese Headmasters series, Soundwave was redecoed and retooled so that he could hold two cassettes in his chest at once. Soundblaster's tape door was cast in transparent red plastic to allow the information on the "readout" decal to be seen, functioning in the same manner as the Tech Specs decoders. This was unique to the Headmasters decos of the cassettes. The readouts of the Decepticon cassettes showed the "weak points" of Fortress Maximus. Soundblaster came packaged with Buzzsaw.

Soundblaster saw reissue in the Transformers Collection series in 2005, packaged together with Buzzsaw and Ravage.

—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.

Transform Gōkin

• Soundwave (1985)

Transform Jr

• Soundblaster (1987)

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 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). Notably, his color scheme is very loud, being bright shades of fluorescent yellow, pink and blue. This is one time fans can actually get away with describing a toy's color scheme as neon.

Soundhead. Or Gearwave.

In Japan, Soundwave was one of three Go-Bots releases, on a normal Hasbro card with stickers over key parts to add Japanese text to the mix. While this version uses the same bright yellow outer car shell, his internal parts are the same as the second-series all-opaque version of Gearhead. Interestingly enough, his giant "T" hood deco was also applied to the other two toys in the series, Optimus Prime and Megatron.

This mold was also used to make 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.

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

• Soundwave (Laser Cycle, 1995)

A redeco of the Laser Cycle Road Pig was planned as Soundwave, but ultimately never released, one of many planned late-1995 Generation 2 redecos that never made it to release. Interestingly, many of these —including Soundwave and fellow Laser Cycle redeco Jazz were solicited in various store catalogues. Some packaged samples of this toy do exist, but there are estimated to be less than a dozen in existence. Soundwave would have transformed to a blue and silver Honda Goldwing motorcycle, with an LED-lit tailpipe that becomes an arm-mounted weapon in robot mode.

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, minus Stalker's handgun and its missiles and with the sighting gimmick having been removed from the missile. In this incarnation, Soundwave transforms into a 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 features a see-through "scope" gimmick that is considerably neutered from Stalker's original version. The top panel slides open to allow the small Predator jets to attach to it via their Megavisor gimmicks.

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

Smallest Transforming Transformers

Size: small. Taste: Big

• Soundwave and Ravage (2003)
  • Accessories: Rocket launcher, "Concussion Blaster" gun

Like all of the Smallest Transforming Transformers, this version of Soundwave is a tiny replica of his Generation 1 form. He came with Smallest Transforming Transformers Ravage, who is probably the smallest Transformer ever.

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 for release in the Universe line 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.

Titanium Series

He's the "manliest" Soundwave ever!

• Soundwave (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
  • Accessories: Rocket launcher, "Concussion Blaster" gun

A new representation of his Generation 1 form, Titanium Series Soundwave transforms into a slightly redesigned version of his original microcassette player mode. Included is a VERY tiny Laserbeak that transforms into a black rectangle, vaguely resembling a microcassette, and is almost (but not quite) as small as Smallest TF Ravage. He can also fit inside of Soundwave's chest. Both of Soundwave's guns resemble batteries and fit into the battery compartment on his back. Some fans have complained that oddly-shaped crotch area makes it look like Soundwave is wearing a diaper, and that poor leg engineering makes it impossible for them to stay extended, and as a result unable to stand up (much like a baby.)

• Soundblaster (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
  • Accessories: Rocket launcher, "Concussion Blaster" gun

A planned redeco of the transforming Titanium Soundwave in Soundblaster colors, this toy would have come with a new Titanium version of Ravage instead of Laserbeak. However, this toy was ultimately canceled along with many other solicited 6" Cybertron Heroes. According to the packaging for Titanium Prowl, 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 toy packages.

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

• Soundwave (3" Robot Masters, 2006)
  • 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.

Classics

Ravage, Laserbeak: Eject. Operation: Reissue.

• Soundwave (Commemorative Edition, 2007)
  • Accessories: Rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "Concussion Blaster" gun

Despite having packaging that claims Classics Soundwave is "identical to the original toy," this version is actually a redeco of the Transformers Collection Soundblaster reissue in Soundwave's original colors. This is presumably due to reported mold degradation on the cassette door of the Soundwave mold. While later releases such as the Transformers Encore edition would feature a single-cassette bay, it is noteworthy that this release featured the much more rarely used Cassetteman version of the door mold. Like the Soundblaster reissue, Classics Soundwave is packaged with "Battle" Ravage, as well as Laserbeak, recolored from Soundblaster's Buzzsaw. In a move rare for a US release of this toy, the set included two Takara clear-plastic cassette cases.

Exclusive to Toys 'R' Us stores, Soundwave had been intended for the Commemorative Series, but after the cancellation of that line, he was added to Classics, although the phrase "Commemorative Edition" is prominently displayed on the front and sides of the box.

While the actual product uses the Soundblaster mold, the package photos show Soundwave with the single-tape door mold used for Takara's TFC-10 reissue.

Store/convention exclusives

• Soundwave (Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Conic-Con exclusive, 2009)

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. This version of Soundwave features no less than four tapes: Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ratbat. This edition actually uses the original cassette deck door, leaving only enough room for one cassette but making it more accurate to the G1 toy and cartoon.

Music Label

Soundwave finally enters the digital age after only what, a decade and a half?

• 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 sets of hands, 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.

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.

Merchandise

Soundwave Tape Player

• Soundwave (1985)

A non-Transforming cassette player in the shape of Soundwave in his robot mode, 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 PVC figure of Soundwave made up of multiple pieces, that comes pre-assembled. Soundwave has his left hand posed as if he's pressing the button on his chest to eject a tape. Or perhaps he could be pointing crookedly at something just off camera moments before he lets out his gasping breath? Maybe not.

• Soundblaster (2002)

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)

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 Frenzy, 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."

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.

Mighty Muggs

• 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 he comes with a super-deformed version of his concussion blaster.

Trivia

• 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.)