Isn’t it good to know your Switchvox phone system lets you customize what callers hear while they wait? With Switchvox Music on Hold, businesses can replace generic hold music with professionally produced music, messages, announcements, and branded caller experiences.
This updated guide explains the best ways to use custom on hold music and messages with Sangoma Switchvox, including Switchvox Cloud and on-premise Switchvox systems.
Important Note About Switchvox and Streaming Music on Hold
Sangoma product names can be confusing. Switchvox, Switchvox Cloud, PBXact, FreePBX, and Sangoma PBX GUI systems do not all use the same Music on Hold interface.
Current Switchvox Music on Hold documentation describes a file-based workflow using Songs and Groups. Switchvox Music on Hold audio files must be uploaded as MP3 or Ogg Vorbis files. The Switchvox interface does not appear to provide the “Add Streaming Category,” “Application Path,” or direct streaming URL fields found in Sangoma PBX GUI systems such as PBXact or FreePBX.
For that reason, this article focuses on the supported Switchvox approach: using custom audio files from Easy On Hold® in the Switchvox Music on Hold system.
Best Method for Switchvox Cloud: Upload Custom MP3 or Ogg Audio
For Switchvox Cloud, the recommended method is to use custom audio files created by Easy On Hold® and upload them into Switchvox Music on Hold.
Switchvox organizes Music on Hold using:
- Songs
- Groups
Although Switchvox calls the uploaded audio files “songs,” those files can also include professional voice messages, announcements, marketing content, caller instructions, seasonal greetings, and branded music programs.
This makes Switchvox Music on Hold a strong fit for businesses that want a better caller experience than generic hold music.
Why Custom Music and Messages Work Better Than Generic Hold Music
Custom on hold audio helps your business create a more useful and professional caller experience.
With Easy On Hold®, your Switchvox callers can hear:
- Professionally produced music
- Custom voice messages
- Announcements
- Promotions
- Department-specific information
- Seasonal or frequently updated messaging
- Licensed audio content
Instead of hearing a repetitive default loop, callers hear content designed specifically for your business.
How Switchvox Music on Hold Works
Switchvox Music on Hold allows administrators to set up audio programs for callers to hear when they are not actively speaking with someone. This may include callers who are:
- On hold
- Waiting in a call queue
- Parked
- Being transferred
Switchvox stores Music on Hold audio in groups. A group can contain one or more uploaded audio files. Different groups may be used for different call flows, such as queues or other areas where Switchvox allows a Music on Hold group to be selected.
Setting Up Custom Music on Hold in Switchvox
Learn more about Easy On Hold® for Switchvox at: https://easyonhold.com/integrations/switchvox
Follow these general steps to add Easy On Hold® audio to Switchvox.
Step-by-Step Configuration
- Download your custom Easy On Hold® audio file as an MP3 or Ogg file.
- Log in to the Switchvox Admin Portal.
- Navigate to Music On Hold.
- Open the Songs area.
- Upload the Easy On Hold® audio file.
- Add the uploaded audio to the desired Music on Hold Group.
- Open the Groups area to create or edit a Music on Hold Group.
- Assign the appropriate Music on Hold Group wherever Switchvox allows MOH selection, such as a call queue.
Switchvox documentation states that Music on Hold files must use MP3 or Ogg Vorbis codecs and must end in .mp3 or .ogg.
Using Custom Audio in Switchvox Call Queues
One of the most useful ways to apply custom Music on Hold is within call queues. For example, a business could create separate Music on Hold groups for:
- Sales callers
- Service callers
- Billing callers
- Support callers
- Seasonal promotions
- After-hours information
A sales queue might include promotional messages, while a support queue might include helpful service reminders or instructions.
Option for On-Premise Switchvox: External Music on Hold Device
Some on-premise Switchvox systems may also support an external Music on Hold source using a USB audio adapter connected directly to the Switchvox appliance. This is different from Switchvox Cloud and is not the same as entering a live streaming URL in the admin interface.
An external device setup may make sense when:
- The customer has an on-premise Switchvox appliance.
- A physical audio source must be connected to the phone system.
- The customer already uses legacy audio hardware.
- The customer wants a live external source instead of uploaded files.
Sangoma documentation identifies USB audio adapters such as the Turtle Beach Amigo II and Sabrent AU-MMSA as tested options for external Music on Hold devices. However, for most Switchvox Cloud customers, the practical method is still to upload MP3 or Ogg files into Songs and Groups.
What About Direct Streaming URLs?
Direct streaming URLs are supported in some Sangoma-related environments, but they should not be confused with the Switchvox Music on Hold interface.
The “Add Streaming Category” and “Application Path” workflow belongs to Sangoma PBX GUI systems, such as PBXact or FreePBX. Those systems can use Music on Hold categories that stream a live feed.
Switchvox Cloud does not appear to expose those same fields in its Music on Hold interface. If you are using PBXact, FreePBX, or another Sangoma PBX GUI-based system, Easy On Hold® can provide streaming Music on Hold guidance for that platform.
Why Easy On Hold® Is Ideal for Switchvox Music on Hold
Easy On Hold® helps businesses create a better caller experience with professionally produced custom music and messages.
For Switchvox users, Easy On Hold® can provide audio content designed for upload into the Switchvox Music on Hold system. This gives your callers a more polished experience without relying on generic default music.
Benefits include:
- Professionally produced caller audio
- Licensed music options
- Custom voice messaging
- Department-specific messages
- Seasonal updates
- Reduced caller fatigue
- A more branded and informative caller experience
Can Sangoma PBX use a live stream for MOH?
If you are running Switchvox and still relying on generic or outdated hold music, custom Music on Hold is a smart upgrade.
For Switchvox Cloud, the best-supported approach is to use professionally produced MP3 or Ogg files uploaded into Switchvox Songs and Groups. For on-premise Switchvox appliances, an external audio device may also be an option in some environments.
Direct streaming URL setup should be reserved for Sangoma PBX GUI systems such as PBXact or FreePBX, not presented as the standard Switchvox Cloud workflow.
With Easy On Hold®, Switchvox users can modernize their caller experience with custom music, messages, and branded audio that make every hold experience more useful and professional.
Isn’t it good to know your Switchvox phone system lets you move beyond cumbersome, ineffective static music-on-hold files? Today, Switchvox supports live streaming music on hold, giving callers a more engaging experience with continuously updated music and professional voice messaging. Let’s take a closer, updated look at Switchvox Streaming Music on Hold.
Preferred Method: Direct Streaming Music on Hold via URL (No External Equipment)
If your goal is higher caller satisfaction and less system maintenance, streaming music on hold delivers better results when you use a direct stream URL with no external hardware.
The simplest and most efficient way to enable Switchvox Streaming Music On Hold is to use the direct audio stream URL provided by Easy On Hold®. This method eliminates the need for USB sound cards, external devices, or physical connections to the Switchvox appliance.
Why Direct Streaming Is the Best Option
Using a live streaming URL offers several advantages over other approaches:
- No external equipment required
- Constantly updated music and messages
- Professionally produced, licensed audio
- Reduced IT maintenance
- Higher caller satisfaction compared to looping audio
With a live stream from Easy On Hold®, callers hear a continuously changing audio stream rather than a repetitive loop, which significantly improves the on-hold experience.
How Switchvox Streaming Music on Hold Works
Switchvox gives administrators control to create Streaming Music on Hold Categories and assign them system-wide or to specific call flows.
Apply streaming music on hold to:
- Inbound routes
- Call queues
- Ring groups
- Outbound routes
- Conference calls
This flexibility allows businesses to deliver consistent, branded audio throughout the entire phone system.
Setting Up Direct Streaming Music on Hold in Switchvox
Learn more about Easy On Hold® for Switchvox at: https://easyonhold.com/integrations/switchvox/
Follow these steps to configure a streaming music on hold category using an Easy On Hold® stream.
Step-by-Step Configuration
- Log in to the Switchvox Admin Portal
- Navigate to Settings and then Music On Hold
- Select Add Streaming Category
- Name the streaming category, such as Easy On Hold Streaming Audio
- Enter the application path using the Easy On Hold stream URL
Easy On Hold provides an HTTP stream in the ULAW format. This is important because calls already using the ULAW codec can listen to the stream without transcoding, reducing CPU usage and preserving audio quality.
Example Application Path
/usr/bin/mpg123 -q -s --mono -r 8000 -f 8192 -b 1024 http://eoh-prod-streaming-server-1.easyonholdcloud.com/51ce16b9468643a07ede7db390r50486
After you save the streaming category, assign it anywhere music on hold runs within the Switchvox system.
Secondary Option: Streaming Music on Hold Using an External Audio Device
Switchvox also supports external audio devices as a music-on-hold source. To use this approach, connect a USB audio adapter to the Switchvox appliance so it functions as a live audio input for music on hold.
External Device Overview
- Requires physical hardware connected to the Switchvox system
- Creates a Music on Hold Group from the audio input
- Can be assigned system-wide or to specific queues
The Turtle Beach Amigo II USB sound card remains a popular option, while other compatible USB audio devices work equally well.
When an External Device Makes Sense
- Legacy environments where URL streaming is restricted
- Requirement that only HTTPS streams be used
- Existing on-prem audio sources that must be reused
While effective, this approach introduces additional hardware and ongoing maintenance compared to direct streaming.
To use an external music on hold source, connect a Turtle Beach Amigo II USB sound card (TBS-1155-01) directly to the Switchvox appliance. This inexpensive audio-to-USB adapter provides a simple hardware-based streaming option.
Why Easy On Hold® Is Ideal for Switchvox Streaming Music On Hold
Easy On Hold® integrates directly with business phone systems such as Switchvox. We invented live streaming MOH in 2013, and have the most experienced team in the industry.
- Live streaming music and marketing messages ensure high-value customer interactions
- Flexible, changing content cures caller fatigue
- Automatic updates with no administrator intervention
- Full compatibility with Switchvox streaming music on hold requirements
Final Thoughts
If you are running Switchvox and still relying on outdated or repetitive on-hold audio, streaming music on hold is the clear upgrade path.
For most environments, direct streaming via URL is the best solution. It requires no hardware or file management and delivers a noticeably better caller experience. External devices remain a viable fallback, but they are no longer the first choice.
With Easy On Hold®, your callers will hear professional, helpful messages-on-hold content they’ll appreciate.
Easy On Hold is not responsible for the performance, installation or operation of equipment we do not sell. Articles about equipment are for educational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any make or brand. Easy On Hold makes no claims or warranties regarding any telephone equipment.
