What do your customers hear when they walk into your bar or pub? Chances are, they hear music that makes them want to stay and have a drink or two. Speakers play a critical role in this.

The right setup for a bar or pub provides the right volume of music for every consumer. To make that possible, you need the right receiver, the perfect mix of speakers and more.

We’ll help you streamline music management in your bar. Keep reading to find out how to make smart choices as you shop for the right setup.

Why the Right Sound System Makes a Bar Stand Out

In towns like Ithaca, New York, there are 12.1 bars per 10,000 households. Standing out in a crowded market like this means providing an ideal sound experience. Music makes this possible.

The right music sets the atmosphere in your bar. Your playlist can energize the happy hour, relax late-night crowds, and support your bar’s overall vibe.

Research suggests that a pleasant customer experience is deeply connected to a restaurant’s profits. The more people enjoy their time inside your bar, the more likely they are to linger and spend more money. They may also tell their friends about the experience, which could lead to yet more sales.

Setting the Tone: The Impact of Music on the Bar Experience

Music isn’t just pleasant to listen to. It can have a deep impact on your bottom line.

In surveys, more than 60% of consumers say they’d go to a bar just to listen to the music, and close to 80% would stay longer if good music is playing. Among millennials, 89% said good music made their experience more memorable.

Your Bar’s Unique Audio Needs

The right sound system starts with research of your specific location. The more you know about where the music will play, the more you can shop with confidence and make smart decisions for your customers.

These are a few key aspects to consider.

Size & Layout

Small bars have different acoustic needs than large venues. In general, increased square footage means the need for more speakers. An open floor plans need different speaker arrangements than cozy pubs with plenty of dividing walls.

Walk carefully through your space and take note of what might block or amplify the sounds.

Music Style & Volume: Matching Vibe to Behavior

The tempo and style of your music can influence how customers behave. In general, fast-tempo songs with a driving backbeat can make people hit the dance floor, while smooth and soft sounds can make them contemplate a cocktail. Think about what you want your customers to do, and plan accordingly.

Acoustic Challenges in Bars

Most bars have at least a few acoustic problems. For example, the hard surface of your bar and the mirror behind it can reflect the music and cause echoes. A vaulted ceiling can also make sounds seem far away.

Acoustic panels and diffusers can help to muffle unwanted echoes, while speaker placements (like pendants) can help to make things cozy.

Key Components of a Good Bar Sound System

Choosing the right audio elements is important for a high-performing bar sound system. Here’s what you need to know as you shop:

Speaker Types & Placements

All speakers can push sound, but how they look and perform is different. Wall-mounted speakers can share sound across a room at ear level. Ceiling-mount speakers can push sound from above to people below, and they’re hard to see. While pendant speakers are suspended and bring music closer to listeners.

Most bars need a combination of all three types of speakers to provide full coverage throughout the facility.

Amplifiers & Mixers

An amplifier can accept a music signal and ensure it sounds good through all your speakers. Mixers can do the same and allow you to adjust the sounds and quality in multiple zones you set up throughout the facility. These tools are especially important for buildings that are large and have multiple walls and dividers.

Music Sources & Legal Licensing

Playing music from a personal Pandora account or CD could violate copyright law and result in a substantial fine or lawsuit. You must work with a provider like Pandora CloudCover to play background music legally in your bar or pub (live music requires separate licensing rights not covered by Pandora CloudCover).

Zoning & Volume Management

Companies like Pandora CloudCover have business-friendly players that allow you to create zones. Each zone can listen to different playlists at a different volume. This can ensure that your customers and staff members have the experience they expect as they move throughout your facility.

Introducing CloudCover’s CloudBox: The Bar-Ready Solution

Pandora CloudCover’s CloudBox is the ideal music system for background music in bars and pubs. We make setup and sharing the perfect playlist really easy.

Reasons to choose the CloudBox include the following:

• Locally stored music, so the sounds are always playing
• Remotely controlled for ease of use
• RCA and Bluetooth speaker connectivity
• Plug-and-play setup

Recommended System Layouts by Bar Type

Bars of different sizes have different needs and requirements. These guidelines can help you make smart choices.

Small Neighborhood Bars & Pubs

Minimal gear that includes speakers and a basic amp can provide good coverage at a low cost. Pandora CloudCover's CloudBox is perfect for this use.

Mid-Size Bars With Multiple Areas

More advanced setups that include zones and mixing are required. Without this advanced level of control, patrons could experience echoes and pockets of silence. Pandora CloudCover's CloudBox is perfect for this use, as it comes with the ability to set up zones.

Large Clubs & Live Music Venues

Professional gear, such as subwoofers, could be required to ensure that all customers can hear the music clearly. The CloudBox can still play an important role, as it allows for enhanced control and music management.

Picking Music That Matches Your Bar’s Brand

It’s critical to match the genre, tempo, and volume to your bar’s brand and vibe. This chart could help you to make smart playlist choices by time of day.

Why Bars Are Switching to Pandora CloudCover & CloudBox

If you’re searching for the perfect sound system for your bar or pub, Pandora CloudCover and CloudBox are ideal. Here’s why:

• Multi-location controls
• Single-dashboard management
• Zone customization
• Extensive music stations
• Brand analysis by music curation teams

Try this product for free for 14 days. Terms and conditions apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud should music be in a bar?

It depends. In pubs where conversations happen, the volume should be quiet enough to allow people to hear one another.

Can I use a personal Spotify or Pandora in my bar?

You can’t use a personal Spotify or Pandora account in your bar in place of a service licensed specifically for business establishments.

What is an audio zone and does my bar need them?

Zones are defined areas with specific songs and volumes that set them apart from other spaces. They’re valuable in larger buildings.

Does Pandora CloudCover offer music for different types of bars & pubs?

Yes. Choose from pre-programmed playlists or ask your musicologists to make special versions for your brand.

Can I control playlists and music remotely?

Yes. The CloudBox allows you to control the music with any connected device, including a phone.

How can I integrate live music or DJs with my sound system?

If you have a live band or DJs playing in your bar or pub, you’ll want to pause the regular tunes you play, as Pandora CloudCover does not cover live music/DJ music performance. But switch back over to Pandora CloudCover for background music when the band takes a break.

References

These Cities Have the Most Bars per Capita in America. (September 2021). Newsweek.

Influences of Atmospherics on Customer Satisfaction and Behavioral Intentions in the Restaurant Industry. (April 2025). PLoS One.

Value of Music Research. (July 2022). BMI.

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