Check the phone-system requirement
Find the accepted sample rate, file type, maximum size, and naming rules.
Free On-Hold Audio Converter
On-Hold Audio Converter
Make audio that a phone system can actually accept. Choose the exact sample rate and format your PBX requires, convert the file, and check the final size before uploading.
Use the toolConvert audio for a phone or on-hold system
Use the format named in your phone-system instructions. A file can sound fine on a laptop and still fail—or sound poor—over a real call.
Use the toolUpload the source
Choose a clean master with balanced speech, music, and announcements.
Select rate and output
Choose 8 kHz or 16 kHz mono and the exact file format requested by the system.
Download and test
Upload the result to a test extension or staging area and listen through an actual phone connection.
Common on-hold audio formats and when to use them
The correct option is determined by the receiving system rather than by sound quality alone.
8 kHz mono WAV
A common choice for older voice systems that accept PCM WAV files.
μ-law or A-law
Some telephony platforms request one of these compact voice formats instead of a standard WAV.
16 kHz mono
A newer system may accept the higher rate for clearer voice playback.
Make speech clear over a real phone line
Design for narrow-band playback
Fine bass, stereo width, and bright detail may not survive a phone connection.
Keep speech intelligible
Use clear narration, moderate music, and enough contrast for callers listening on small speakers.
Test looping and duration
Confirm that the ending returns to the beginning cleanly and that the file fits the platform’s size limit.
On-Hold Converter FAQ
Which sample rates are available?+
Choose the 8 kHz or 16 kHz mono setting required by your phone system.
Which output formats can I create?+
The page supports PCM WAV, μ-law, A-law, and signed-linear output.
How do I know which format to choose?+
Use the exact format required by your phone, PBX, or on-hold platform.
Why should I test through a phone call?+
Telephone playback can sound very different from the original file on headphones or computer speakers.