Iron Maiden Pro audio cuts out during gameplay then returns
My 2018 Iron Maiden Pro has been having intermittent audio dropouts. The sound will be playing perfectly — music, callouts, effects — and then suddenly everything goes silent for 3-10 seconds before coming back on its own. It doesn't seem tied to any specific game event; it happens randomly during gameplay.
When the audio drops out, the display and gameplay continue normally. I've noticed it happens more frequently during longer play sessions. Sometimes I can go a full game without an issue, other times it drops out three or four times in a single ball.
I've checked the speaker connections and they seem fine. The volume control in the service menu works normally when audio is present. I haven't opened the backbox yet. Anyone seen this on a Spike 2 system?
yemons·3/21/2026★ 1 Answer
Audio dropouts on Spike 2 systems like the Iron Maiden are commonly caused by one of two things: a loose ribbon cable connection between the CPU board and the audio/visual board, or a failing capacitor on the audio amplifier section of the board. The fact that it gets worse during longer sessions suggests a thermal/connection issue.
First, open the backbox and carefully reseat all ribbon cables between the CPU/node boards. On Spike 2 systems, the main audio processing happens on the CPU board and is routed through the connector. Make sure the locking tabs on the ribbon connectors are fully seated. Also check the speaker wiring harness connector — on the Iron Maiden, the speaker connections can work themselves loose from the cabinet vibration during gameplay. You can find replacement ribbon cables at Pinball Life if any look damaged.
If reseating cables doesn't fix it, the issue may be on the CPU board itself. Stern has issued board revisions to address audio issues on early Spike 2 games. Check your board revision number and contact Stern tech support to see if your board qualifies for a replacement or if there's a known fix. Also check for any available software updates through the Stern website — some audio dropout issues were addressed in firmware updates. If the board needs replacement, Marco Specialties carries Stern replacement boards.
yemons·3/21/2026