G1 cartoon transformation sound

[5FDP]

Technical description

Transformation is often accompanied by a distinct noise--an 8hz pulse, repeated five times, with each pulse lasting a roughly equal amount of time, whose pitch can be represented by the absolute value of a declining (for alt-mode to robot mode) or increasing (for robot mode to alt-mode) sine wave. In the G1 series, the sine wave generally increased when a Transformer changed to his robot mode, and declined when he converted to vehicle form (or whichever mode was smaller/shorter.) In general, the larger the robot, the deeper the pitch of the sound, and the longer the duration of the pulses. There is no general consensus as to what onomatopoeia should be used to represent this sound.

[Hursticon]

Ooh! that is a beautifully technical definition of: ...

I reckon though, that the true origin of our favourite sound will remain hidden for quite some time to come.

[GoktimusPrime]

I never really thought about this. I've learnt something new today.

There is no general consensus as to what onomatopoeia should be used to represent this sound.

I used to use "tchk tchk tchk tchk tchk," but I now prefer "krrk krrk krrk krrk krrk." I've seen Japanese fans use カキココケ ("ka-ki-ko-ko-ke") which works pretty well IMO.

[Tallestblue]

I think the sound was first used in a song by DEVO, but not sure which one. I've always been fond of "WOK-WOK-WOK" after seeing it in Toyfare. Strange that we can't spell out a sound we've all made since childhood.

[tjparkside]

I think the sound was first used in a song by DEVO, but not sure which one. I've always been fond of "WOK-WOK-WOK" after seeing it in Toyfare. Strange that we can't spell out a sound we've all made since childhood.

thanks tallest blue!
i would like to know which devo song that the sound was used in!
...i'd like to know the exact equipment and settings used!
it's interesting that everyone has their own way of saying and spelling the same sound!

[tjparkside]

I never really thought about this. I've learnt something new today.


I used to use "tchk tchk tchk tchk tchk," but I now prefer "krrk krrk krrk krrk krrk." I've seen Japanese fans use カキココケ ("ka-ki-ko-ko-ke") which works pretty well IMO.

thanks goktimus!
...there are many variations on "that" sound!
i think it is something important most fans don't think of! (eg:take for granted)
i was hooked the first time i heard that tune,watching the G1 cartoon on the early bird show,saturday mornings,channel 10!
(nice comic strip,by the way!)

[tjparkside]

Ooh! that is a beautifully technical definition of: ...

I reckon though, that the true origin of our favourite sound will remain hidden for quite some time to come.

...i like the youtube video link!!!
...now i'm a truck...now i'm a robot.....

..the ever mysterious transformation sound!
Thanks hursticon!

[tjparkside]

Technical description

ha! ...it is all becoming clearer now! Thanks 5FDP

[tjparkside]

here are links to a you tube video where the transforming sound is recreated using a pc with the program;reason...(in two parts)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ByMychEieQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Huuk1...eature=related

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I used to use "tchk tchk tchk tchk tchk," but I now prefer "krrk krrk krrk krrk krrk." I've seen Japanese fans use カキココケ ("ka-ki-ko-ko-ke") which works pretty well IMO.

Some of Japanese comics from the toys and online tend to use "キゴカゴ," (ki-go-ka-go or ki go ka go go and other variations thereof) depending on the length/pitch etc. Which originally I thought was pretty odd, but really it is fairly close and just as good as any other versions I have seen.

Even though the tech desciption say and 8hz sound. Surely they must have sampled it from somewhere. I am still none the wiser as to the origins. KNowing the 80's though, it's probably just taken from an electric keyboard and been fiddled with.