A Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye. His troops could deploy from the dish on his back. A major upsize and retool of the Prime mold oughta do it.

 

Something new I customized a tfc Minos into Soundwave and for me it looks so badass.

 

I always thought it would be interesting if Soundwave transformed into a news van. His minions could transform and become the communications equipment up on top of the van.

 

Aircraft or a military communications vehicle. The US army has a new-ish truck called and MATV (Movie Bonecrusher was a larger predecessor) that has yet to be a Transformer.

https://www.google.com/search?q=MAT...oP3MAhWG6iYKHcbRDvcQ_AUIBygB&biw=1280&bih=675

The only thing is it's had to tell witch one is for commo and witch one is for other uses.

 

Radar truck, or an SUV with antenna or radar dish on top, with aircraft as a close second. I think Ken Christiansen had the right idea with his Aligned Soundwave concept art. This is tricky since I think Soundwave could work with a lot of alt modes.

Aircraft like the UAV from Transformers: Prime work well, since it evokes the espionage aspect of Soundwave, most of the high-ranking Decepticons had aerial alt modes in the show, and the 'sleek anonymity' factor is neat. I dislike the tape recorder, cassette player, audio equipment, etc. alt modes because there is the size issue for a toy, limitations, and it comes off as too passive. Audio equipment or other handheld communication devices I think are better for Soundwave's and Blaster's minions.

The radar truck/CIA SUV is great because it covers a lot of characteristics of Soundwave. You have the communications and espionage aspects, it can result in a 'blocky' robot mode without going overboard, the windshield can become the chest screen, and minions can deploy through the sliding door or chest, and it works for robots in disguise. The best thing is that it is not as obvious as the other options while carrying an implied threat.

 

Military communications vehicle or a tape recorder.

 

This. Exactly.

 

I'm fine with just the G1 Tape Deck, and I would accept a communications vehicle.

That said, I'd like to see a version of Soundwave as a Jumbotron. Or one of those advertising trucks with the giant screens.

 

News helicopter.