Find answers to common questions
about our music solutions
In order to use our Custom Channels music player, you will need three things in addition to our player:
To use Custom Channels with Sonos wireless speakers, you do not need to purchase a Custom Channels player. The only equipment necessary is one or more Sonos wireless speakers, the Sonos app on a computer or mobile device, and your Custom Channels account login username and password. Check the system requirements provided with your Sonos equipment for more details on setting up Sonos speakers.
No. You will pay only the fees for service or equipment outlined on your plan – no extra fees, taxes, or surcharges.
Our years of experience have taught us that a simple, dedicated, hardwired and inexpensive player like the Custom Channels music player is the most reliable way to play music in a commercial environment. We are able to monitor, update, and – when necessary – troubleshoot the player remotely (something we can’t do with your computer or phone). Plus, it’s tamper-proof so employees can’t change the music without your permission. While we do provide a web player for previewing or monitoring your channel(s), we do not recommend or support using the web player for in-store playback.
Audio systems come in all shapes and sizes. A small business may be able to use a basic, consumer-style audio receiver and two speakers. Larger businesses may need multiple speakers, audio distributed to many zones, paging, etc. Either way, all audio amplifiers should have an audio input (e.g. AUX or CD) into which you will plug your Custom Channels music player. We do not recommend the use of bluetooth or “stand alone” speaker systems like computer speakers.
No. Custom Channels’ services come with written instructions for self-installation that are easy to understand. The players are designed to be plug-and-play for anyone with basic technical know-how. Of course, our tech support team is available anytime by phone or email to answer questions, provide installation help, or troubleshoot. You may choose to have your IT, low voltage, or Audio/Visual professional install your player, but we do not require or provide on-site installation services.
Yes! Custom Channels offers additional zones for customers looking for different sounds in various areas. Additional Custom Channels players are required, and each zone may be subject to additional fees.
Custom Channels covers U.S. businesses for ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR, and Canadian businesses for SOCAN and ReSound. All music provided is fully licensed for business use. No other service offers access to more artists and songs from major and independent labels. For more information, see our General Terms and Conditions.
No. Only the music provided by our service is covered when used as ambient or background music. You may need to obtain additional licenses from the performing rights organizations if you have TVs, live music, DJs, dancing, fitness classes or use other music sources like your own CDs or iPod. Please review licensing limitations and conditions in our General Terms and Conditions.
Paid consumer services like Spotify, Pandora One, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or SiriusXM satellite radio are intended for personal use only and do not include the public performance licenses required when music is played in a business setting. Plus, most business customers use a lot more music – often playing 12-24 hours a day – than consumer services are intended to provide. Your Custom Channels music-for-business subscription includes all the licenses, including ASCAP, BMI and others, that allow you to play the songs in your business without risk of being liable for copyright infringement (read more here). And you have the confidence that your service is built and supported to be used in your business 24/7/365!
No. The Custom Channels player requires a wired (Ethernet cable) network connection. This is to insure the most reliability and avoid WiFi interference issues. If you require a system that works with WiFi, we recommend using Sonos Wireless speakers.
Custom Channels has access to, and licenses for, virtually every song, and our library is constantly expanding. No music service offers broader access to music.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. All of our services – All Access, ReMix and Ethos – are built with the needs of businesses like yours in mind – and don’t require any music expertise on your part. We encourage you to sign up for a free trial and explore the many easy-to-use styles we’ve curated. If you want some expert advice, just contact us for a free music consultation for your business.
Yes, depending on your type of phone system. Many traditional PBX-style phone systems have an analog music on hold input jack can quite easily accept an audio feed split from the Custom Channels music player or your amplifier. Cloud-based phone systems (where there is not a central controller unit at your office) may not be able to be connected to your overhead music system. Contact your phone system supplier or review your system’s documentation to determine if your phone system can accept an analog line in audio source.
Even if Spotify or Pandora One were licensed for business use (they aren’t), Custom Channels is a better choice. Why? It’s simple: Custom Channels is built with the specific needs of businesses in mind while Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other consumer-oriented services are not. This means we offer larger playlists with less repetition. Fewer “wrong songs” creeping into the mix. Better screening for offensive lyrics and themes. No five minute drum solos. Expert, human-curation instead of computer algorithms or auto-generated recommendations. With Custom Channels you get more control over your music without having to tinker with it constantly. Plus, it’s legal!
Join the companies that use Custom Channels to create
memorable customer experiences.
“Custom Channels gives our orthodontic practice the freedom and flexibility to select music that matches our practice’s energy. It keeps our patients happy and our team motivated. We’ve had Custom Channels in the office for 7+ years because it is fun, ad-free, priced appropriately, and very easy to use!”
“WOW! We’re huge fans of Custom Channels! Hands down the best product we tried. We just signed up for the year.”
“I love Custom Channels, and mention it to other Dunkin Donuts owners. I love the Mix feature, and block songs, and add songs, and that I can see the what is playing in all of my stores online.”
“Custom Channels completely nailed it. The music feels like an extension of our brand — our customers notice, and our team loves it too. Setup was a breeze, and the support is top-tier.”
“Your customer service has been top notch!! Like 10000% better than the other company we were utilizing.”
“Custom Channels has transformed our in-store experience. The curated playlists perfectly match our brand, and the support team is outstanding.”
“Choosing Custom Channels was one of the best business decisions we’ve ever made. There is no other company out there that can hold a candle to what Custom Channels can do!”
