Frequently Asked Questions

Total Length- Most custom message on hold productions have a total play time of about 4 minutes before repeating however, the total length of your production can be modified based on your companies average hold time and targeting goals.

Number of Messages- Most custom message on hold productions have 5 or 6 separate messages with music playing in the background and between each message. Depending on your on-hold marketing goals and average caller hold time your production manager may advise and create your message on hold script with shorter but more frequent messages.

Your hold messages should be refreshed as often as it takes to stay current and connected with your callers.

For most businesses two changes per year are ideal. It keeps the messages refreshed and provides flexibility for adding any new content. If your business experiences seasonal changes or trends, four changes per year make sense. If you are going to announce limited time engagements, or promote upcoming events you should choose a program that will provide ample changes for new content and replacement of out-of-date messages.

PBX/Key Systems- Usually Requires An MOH Player; These phone systems have a central control unit that is typically installed in the server room or a utility closet. This unit controls all the phone functions including music on hold. Most PBX/Key systems require an external message on hold player, and are usually pre-wired so installing your MOH player is a piece of cake. If you're not sure, contact us and let us know the brand and model of your system.

1, 2 & 4 line phones- Requires An Adapter: Phones purchased from a retail store are not MOH compatible. However, message on hold can often-times still be achieved using a MOH adapter and player. Contact us to learn if on hold music is possible with your telephones.

Hosted Phone Systems- No Equipment Needed: If you used a hosted or virtual PBX system a message on hold player is not required. Instead, send the free mp3 on hold file to your system provider and they’ll load it into the server.

PC based Phone Systems- No Equipment Needed: If your phone system is software controlled, running off your server or PC, You probably don’t need a message on hold player. Usually all you need to do is load the appropriate audio file to your system.

Our equipment is plug & play with all MOH ready phone systems. Simply locate the MOH port in the systems control cabinet and connect the audio cable. Some phone systems may require special programming or a "punch down" which is best handled by your phone technician. We will be happy to help determine if a phone technician may be required.

Yes. However, commercially available CD players are not designed for the continual playback required for music on hold. Most CD players will burn-out after only a few months of MOH duty. Frequent overheating and will cause the CD player to shut down, leaving your callers in silence. You'll have no way of know when playback has stopped unless "checking the CD player" becomes a regular task.

The digital music on hold players provided by Business Audio Source are designed to provide continuous play audio for music on hold. Our MOH player are built with a solid aluminium housing and use sold-state memory. Even with a power-outage, the player will re-boot and automatically continue playback once power is restored.

Playing the radio to your callers on hold is not a good idea. Radio commercials, traffic reports and annoying DJ's do nothing to enhance your image and will likely turn many callers off. Playing the radio on hold is considered a public performance. To be lawful a public performance must be licensed. Learn more about music on hold licensing.

Yes! Placing callers on hold and transmitting music over your phone lines is considered a public performance of the music. It is your responsibility to obtain permission to perform songs from a licensing agency or directly from the copyright owner.

Business Audio Source pays all music licensing including synchronization and broadcast rights on behalf of our customers.

Major label artists have agreements with music licensing companies such as ASCAP or BMI. The cost associated with synchronization rights to use major label music for message on hold productions would not allow us to keep our prices competitive.

The music in our production library has been specifically selected to provide a range of styles while appealing to the widest audience and will complement your production without being distracting to your message. Just like music scores used in film, background music for your production should be selected based on the mood you want to create for your caller rather that on personal tastes.