How to Install Sound Dampening Pads on Arcade Games

By M&P Amusement | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to install sound dampening pads on arcade games to reduce noise. Step-by-step guide for quieter gameplay at home or in a venue.

Quick answer

Installing sound dampening pads on your arcade game is a straightforward way to reduce noise without altering the cabinet. The pads stick onto interior surfaces near moving parts to absorb vibrations and dull impact sounds.

Why sound dampening pads help

Arcade games with moving balls or paddles—like the ICEBall Pro—can produce loud thuds and rattles that carry through the cabinet. Sound dampening pads are designed to absorb those vibrations rather than let them echo inside the machine. The result is a noticeably quieter game that is less disruptive in a home or shared venue.

The pads are adhesive-backed and go on interior panels, not on the playfield or moving parts. They reduce noise without affecting gameplay or the look of the cabinet. For the ICEBall Pro, the Sound Dampening Pads from Ice Games are made specifically to fit the interior layout, so installation is clean and secure.

What you need before you start

You will need the sound dampening pads themselves, a clean cloth, and isopropyl alcohol for surface prep. No tools are required—the pads use peel-and-stick adhesive. Work in a well-lit area and give yourself about 15 minutes. If the cabinet has been in use, unplug it and let any internal components cool down before opening the access panel.

Step-by-step installation

1. Unplug and open the cabinet: Disconnect the arcade game from power. Remove the access panel on the back or side of the cabinet. Set the panel aside in a safe spot. This exposes the interior surfaces where the pads will go. Common mistake: leaving the game plugged in. Always disconnect power before reaching inside the cabinet.
2. Clean the interior surfaces: Wipe down the interior panels where you plan to stick the pads. Use a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol to remove dust, grease, or residue. Let the surface dry completely before applying the pads. Checkpoint: if the surface feels tacky or greasy after cleaning, repeat with a fresh cloth. Adhesive will not bond to a dirty surface.
3. Peel and position each pad: Peel the backing off one pad at a time. Press it onto the cleaned surface, starting from one edge and smoothing toward the other to avoid air bubbles. Focus on large flat panels near the ball path or impact areas. Common mistake: peeling all pads at once. The adhesive can pick up dust while you work, so apply each pad right after removing its backing.
4. Press firmly and check adhesion: Run your hand over the entire pad, applying firm pressure. Make sure the edges are fully stuck down. If a corner lifts, press it again and hold for a few seconds. Checkpoint: if a pad does not stick after pressing, the surface may not be clean enough. Remove the pad, re-clean the area, and try again with a fresh pad.
5. Close the cabinet and test: Replace the access panel and secure it with the original screws or clips. Plug the game back in and run a test round. Listen for a reduction in rattling and impact noise. Common mistake: forgetting to reattach all screws or clips. A loose panel can rattle and undo the noise reduction you just added.

Product used in this guide

Sound Dampening Pads: Sound Dampening Pads from Ice Games are designed for use with ICEBall Pro and help decrease the sound created by the game. These pads are pre-sized for the ICEBall Pro interior, so you get full coverage without cutting or guessing placement.
Sound Dampening Pads