Frequently asked questions

In short: No, consumer streaming services are not permitted for business or public use. Only designated business providers such as Backsound may supply this.

Explanation:
Streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, Napster, Audiomack and Pandora are intended for private use.
Their licences prohibit playing music in public or commercial settings (hospitality, shops, gyms, salons, offices, etc.).

Only designated business music suppliers such as Backsound have contracts and licences that legally permit public use.

In short: Backsound supplies music that may be used under a business licence in public and commercial spaces. In addition, the business owner must arrange permission to play music themselves via mijnlicentie.nl (Buma/Stemra and Sena).

Explanation:
In the Netherlands there are three organisations that manage music rights:
• Buma/Stemra – manages the copyrights of composers and lyricists.
• Sena – manages the neighbouring rights of performing artists and producers.
• NVPI – represents music producers and record companies and works together with Sena on the exploitation of rights.
Backsound falls under business music licences and may therefore supply and broadcast music commercially.
However, the business owner remains responsible for the public performance licence, which is easily arranged online via www.mijnlicentie.nl.

In short: Yes, you can — at no extra cost.

Explanation:
Backsound supports multiroom playback, so you can set your own music style and volume in every room (for example the restaurant, bar, terrace or toilets). We call each room a zone, and creating extra zones is completely free within your subscription.

Depending on your installation, this can be done with one music computer (multiple audio outputs or amplifier zones) or with several Backsound units per room. We help you determine the best set-up, so that everything works perfectly in sync and stays easy to operate via the touchscreen or the Remote App.

In short: Yes, both apps are completely free for all Backsound users.

Explanation:
With the Backsound Remote App you can do exactly the same as on the player on the PC:

• search for, change and play songs and playlists,
• skip or pause tracks,
• adjust the volume,
• control multiple zones separately,
• import Spotify lists as a reference,
• and approve or reject requests from guests.

The Request App is intended for guests or staff to submit song requests, without access to the main menu or the settings. Both apps are available free of charge for iOS and Android, without any extra licence fees or subscriptions. You simply log in with your existing Backsound account.

In short: Yes, you can.

Explanation:
In the Backsound program you can listen to tracks in advance before adding them to the queue or a playlist.
To do this, simply connect headphones to the music computer.
That way you can discreetly check whether a song suits the atmosphere of your business, without guests or customers hearing it.

In short: Yes, Backsound simply keeps playing without internet.

Explanation:
Backsound automatically downloads the music needed for your playlists. During a temporary internet outage, the system automatically switches to offline mode, so the music simply keeps playing. As soon as the internet connection is back, updates and new tracks are automatically downloaded again. So you do not need to do anything yourself — the switch happens completely automatically.

In short: Yes, you can — but we do not recommend it.

Explanation:
The music computer is specially configured to play music stably 24/7.
Although technically you can use other programs on it (such as a browser or a till system), this can affect reliability and sound quality.
Would you still like to use the computer for several purposes?
Then we can set it up so that Backsound always keeps running automatically in the background and is active again straight away at start-up.
Our software works on all versions of Windows — from Windows 7 up to and including Windows 11 — as long as the system is stable and up to date.

In short: Yes, we can be reached 24 hours a day.

Explanation:
For quick help, it is best to contact us first via WhatsApp on 088-425 9888.

Our support staff usually respond fastest there and can often help remotely straight away. Would you rather speak to someone by phone?
That is also possible via 088-425 9888 — there is always someone available 24 hours a day to help you.

For less urgent questions, too, the easiest way is to send a message via WhatsApp — we usually respond the same or the next working day.

In short: Yes, Backsound works very well with Sonos.

Explanation:
Backsound can be connected to Sonos via the line-in connection of a Sonos Port, Amp or Five. For all Sonos speakers older than the Era series, a Sonos Port is required to play the Backsound music on the system.
The volume and the music controls simply keep working via the Backsound software or the Remote App.

In addition, you can still control all speakers separately with the Sonos app, for example to adjust volumes or group zones.
We are happy to help set up the right audio input and delay, so that everything sounds perfectly in sync.

In short: Yes, you can.

Explanation:
You can connect a TV to the Backsound music computer via HDMI or DisplayPort.
That way you can show the player screen, display your logo or background images, or show song information.
Please note: Backsound itself does not support music videos or karaoke display — the system is designed for professional background music.
Because it is a Windows PC, you can install other apps on it and use them to show, for example, videos, photos or presentations on your screen.
So you decide entirely for yourself what appears on the screen.
The Backsound computer automatically recognises the screen as soon as it is connected.

In short: Yes, we take care of everything to do with sound.

Explanation:
Backsound supplies not only music computers, but complete sound installations:
amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers, mixing desks, microphones, cables and all the accessories that go with them. Everything is professionally set up and finished for the best sound quality in your business.
We work with reliable professional brands that are suitable for continuous use in hospitality, retail, gyms and offices.
We can also take over existing equipment or extend it with new components.
In many cases, we can draw up a suitable quote based on just a short video or photo of the location — quickly and with no obligation.

In short: Yes, we carry out complete installations throughout the Netherlands.
Explanation: Our technicians install the music computer, amplifiers, speakers and touchscreen on site. After installation we test everything, set the volumes and explain how to use it.

In short: Usually 1 to 2 hours per location.
Explanation: Simple installations are often finished within an hour. Larger projects with multiple zones or separate floors can take a little longer.

In short: Yes, that is possible.
Explanation: The music computer is plug-and-play: connecting it to power, the internet and an amplifier is all it takes. You receive clear instructions, or you can get help via WhatsApp or by phone.

In short: Yes, fully automatically.
Explanation: The software and music are updated automatically without you having to do anything. Updates take place in the background, so the music never stops.

In short: Yes, you can.
Explanation: In the Backsound software you can create, edit and save your own playlists. You can search for tracks, add them and change the order — entirely to your own taste.

In short: On average 1 to 2 GB.
Explanation: Music files are downloaded efficiently and stored locally. Only updates and new tracks use data. A stable internet connection is sufficient.

In short: We supply a replacement device straight away.
Explanation: In the event of hardware problems, we send a new unit as quickly as possible or come to your location. In most cases you will have music again within 1 working day.

In short: Yes, on request.
Explanation: We offer trial installations or online demos, so you can experience the system before you decide. To arrange this, contact us via WhatsApp or info@backsound.nl.

In short: Yes, that remains compulsory.
Explanation: Even though Backsound's music is licensed for business use, the public performance fee for Buma/Stemra and Sena must be arranged by the business owner themselves via www.mijnlicentie.nl.

In short: You cancel by email, with a notice period of 3 months before the end of the agreement.

Explanation:
Would you like to end your subscription or transfer it to a new owner?
Then send an email to info@backsound.nl with your company name, location and preferred end date.
The notice period is 3 months before the end of the agreement.
If a location is taken over, we can transfer the subscription to the new owner immediately and free of charge.

In short: Yes, watch our demo video on YouTube.

Explanation:
Would you like to see how Backsound works in practice?
Then watch our short demo on YouTube, in which we show step by step how to play music, set up zones and use the apps.

🎥 Watch the explainer video on YouTube

The AI Playlist Generator in the Backsound software automatically puts together a suitable selection of music based on your input. You can choose from three modes: select an atmosphere or mood, let the AI automatically match your industry and the time of day, or type a short description such as “relaxed jazz for a rainy morning”. The AI immediately turns your choice into a playlist from the Backsound music library. The music starts straight away, without any further action.

No, the AI Playlist Generator is included in all Backsound subscriptions. There are no extra costs involved. The feature is available in the Backsound software as soon as your subscription is active.