Soundwave (Transformers)

Soundwave

Generation 1 Soundwave box art
Decepticon
Information
Sub-group	Action Master, Communications, Go-Bot, Targetmaster
Function	Lieutenant, Communications Commander and Warrior
Rank	8
Partner	Megatron, Buzzsaw, Laserbeak, Ratbat, Ravage, Frenzy, Rumble, Space Case, Wingthing, Shockwave
Motto	"Cries and screams are music to my ears."
Alternate modes	Cybertronian Jet, Microcassette deck, Cybertronian tank, MP3 player
Series	Transformers: Generation 1 Transformers: Generation 2 Machine Wars Transformers: Universe Smallest Transformers Transformers: Titanium Transformers: Classics Transformers: Music Label
English voice actor	Frank Welker (Television series, Transformers: Devastation)
Japanese voice actor	Issei Masamune (Television series) Nobuhiko Okamoto (Q Transformers: Mystery of Convoy)

Soundwave

Predacon
Information
Sub-group	Basic Beasts
Function	Warrior
Rank	9
Motto	"From the sky to the sea, they will fear and respect me."
Alternate modes	Alligator/Bat
Series	Beast Wars

Soundwave

Cybertron Voyager Soundwave toy in robot and jet modes.
Decepticon
Information
Sub-group	Voyagers, Micro Vehicles
Function	Information Staff
Rank	9
Partner	Laserbeak (Killer Condor), Megatron
Motto	"Audible rebellion is melody." (Takara) "That's just how we roll, dawg." (Hasbro)
Alternate modes	Planet X Stealth Bomber
Series	Transformers: Cybertron
Voiced by	Garry Chalk/Robert O. Smith (English) Taketora (Japanese)

Soundwave

Soundwave's first appearance, in IDW comics.
Decepticon
Information
Sub-group	Deluxe Vehicles, Human Alliance, Speed Stars, Triple Changers,
Function	Communication Officer
Rank	8
Partner	The Fallen, Megatron, Ravage, Laserbeak, Dylan Gould and Barricade
Motto	"He who controls the flow of information controls the flow of battle.", "I am Soundwave. I command all communications.", "No prisoners, only trophies.", "Cries and screams are music to my ears."
Alternate modes	Cybertronian jet/satellite, Cadillac SRX, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Series	Transformers
English voice actor	Frank Welker (films) Peter Jessop (2009 video game) Bronco O. Jackson (Cyber Missions) Isaac C. Singleton, Jr. (2011 video game)
Japanese voice actor	Daisuke Gōri (2009 film) Jirō Saitō (2011 film)

Soundwave

Timelines Soundwave
Decepticon
Information
Sub-group	Communications
Rank	9
Partner	Treadshot
Alternate modes	Microcassette Recorder, Van
Series	Transformers: Timelines

Soundwave is the name of several fictional characters appearing in various Transformers franchises. His most famous transformation is that of a microcassette recorder.

Soundwave is one of the most recognizable characters from the original Transformers line. He had an alternate mode - a microcassette recorder - and possessed a distinctive monotone, computerized voice.

Soundwave is able to detect and jam transmissions across the entire energy spectrum, a talent that makes him suited to his position as Decepticon Communications Officer. Additionally, he has a photographic memory thanks to the vast data storage capacity of the magnetic disks in his chest compartment, and he is armed with a shoulder-mounted laser cannon and hand-held concussion blaster. Soundwave is physically strong compared to most Transformers. His alternative form - which involves an apparent loss of mass - is that of an Earthly microcassette deck. Within the tape compartment, which becomes his chest in robot mode, he stores a variety of Decepticon spies, all of which take the alternative form of a microcassette. These spy characters include Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Ratbat, Rumble, Frenzy, Slugfest, and Overkill, all of whom are under Soundwave's command in the original television series. Squawktalk, and Beastbox were additional cassette characters under Soundwave's control in the US toyline, who were never shown in the cartoon.

Soundwave's cassettes are quick to serve and defend Soundwave in a crisis, and generally relate to him as servants or even pets. However, when his cassette Ratbat became leader of the Decepticons in the Marvel Comics series, Soundwave fully shifted his trademark loyalty from Megatron to him. In the Dreamwave comics, Ratbat led the Ultracons faction, while Soundwave remained with the Decepticons led by Shockwave, although within that continuity these events occurred before Ratbat took up a cassette form. In the IDW comics, on pre-war Cybertron Soundwave functioned as personal assistant to Ratbat, who was a Senator at the time, however Soundwave's true loyalty lay with Megatron. When the time came for him and Starscream to massacre the Senate, he enslaved Ratbat by bestowing the smaller, weaker cassette body upon him.