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®, Switchvox users can modernize their phone system audio quickly, reliably, and professionally.
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.
