Soundbox

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A soundbox is an electronic gadget containing a memory device that records one or more sound clips and plays them back on demand, allowing for audible explosions, beep-wheedles, and "I am Optimus Prime."

A soundbox is a self-contained unit containing batteries, electronics, and speaker, which makes it simple to install in a toy—all the designer needs is to allow space and a grille for the speaker, and make sure there's a way to get to the batteries in one of the toy's modes. On the other hand, a soundbox is relatively large as gimmicks go, and requires a fair amount of dedicated space.

As with all electronics, soundbox technology improved over the decades. Toys featuring soundboxes during the 1980s usually also had to make space for a relatively large [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}PP3 battery|{{#if:nine-volt battery|nine-volt battery|PP3 battery}}]] and the snap connectors that went with it. Modern soundboxes are now powered by [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}button cell|{{#if:||button cell}}]] batteries, [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}AAA battery|{{#if:AAA batteries|AAA batteries|AAA battery}}]], or [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}AA battery|{{#if:AA batteries|AA batteries|AA battery}}]]. Soundboxes have also become somewhat cheaper to manufacture, given their very sparse use in lines previous to 2002. During Armada and after, the boxes became a common feature on larger figures.

Because of all these electronic whiz-bang doohickeys involved in their function, it is not uncommon to see one or more light-emitting diodes wired into the board.

Toys utilizing soundboxes

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1985
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2001
2002
2003
2004
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2015
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2023
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2026

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Notes

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Starscream feels empty inside.
  • Reissue Galvatron's soundbox was upgraded to use AA batteries instead of the original's nine volt PP3s.
  • Tidal Wave's Armada box noted that he had electronic sounds. He did not - which was a good decision for a boat toy kids might take in the tub.
  • Cybertron Voyager Starscream was designed with a soundbox in mind (even including the requisite speaker and battery brackets when you crack one open), but the final Hasbro and Takara versions have no electronics.
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