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Streaming through Sonos Speakers

A guide on streaming CloudCover music using Sonos speakers

Written by Patricia Rains

Sonos gives you flexibility in how you stream Pandora CloudCover. You can start instantly through the Sonos app, connect a CloudBox to a Sonos Port when you prefer a dedicated playback device, or, with supported Sonos models such as Era 100, Era 300, or Move speakers, use line-in with the Sonos Line-In Adapter. Line-in can provide a stable local audio path from the CloudBox to Sonos while CloudBox manages playback through your Pandora CloudCover account.

Learn more:

1. Streaming from the Sonos iOS/Android app

(Add Pandora CloudCover as a "Music Service") 

CloudCover music is available in the "Music Services", which allows CloudCover to be played directly on Sonos speakers and Amps, without any other equipment. The Sonos app can be used to play/pause and select the CloudCover stations.

1. From the Sonos App under 'Your Services' press on the '+' icon to add a new music service.

2. Search for 'Pandora CloudCover'

3. Press 'Add To Sonos'

4. Select 'Authorize'

5. Enter in your credentials.

Note: Usernames are not case sensitive but passwords are.

6. Select the zone you'd like to link

7. You can close out now and return back to the Sonos app.


What’s the difference between the Sonos app and the web app?

The web app is designed for playback and grouping control only. With the Sonos mobile app, you can add or remove products from your system, configure home theater setup, create alarms and preset groups, and more.

Setting up Sonos using the Sonos via the Desktop App

Please note, that as of May 7, 2024, Sonos discontinued its desktop apps for Windows and macOS in favor of the new web app that allows users to control their Sonos speakers from anywhere.

1. Click "Add Music Services"

2. The Select Services "Pandora CloudCover"​

4. From here you'll be asked to sign in to your SONOS account

5. Click "Connect to Cloud Cover Music" and click "Authorize"

6. You will be taken to the CloudCover website. Please fill in your credentials

7. Select which zone you're connecting to.

8. Sonos will begin adding the zone

9. Add a name for your account


2. Streaming From Sonos via Airplay 2

Many newer Sonos speakers support Apple AirPlay 2, which allows compatible Apple devices to stream audio to supported Sonos speakers over the same local network.

With AirPlay 2, a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac can stream Pandora CloudCover music to supported AirPlay 2 speakers, receivers, or Apple TVs on the same network.

When used with Pandora CloudCover zones, AirPlay 2 can provide flexibility in how music is distributed. A business may choose to stream one zone across multiple AirPlay 2 devices or use different zones for different areas, depending on the location’s setup and available devices.


3. Streaming From Sonos Speakers with Audio Input Port

Some Sonos products support line-in playback, allowing audio from a connected device to play through the Sonos system. This can be useful when connecting a CloudBox, computer, tablet, or mobile device directly to a supported Sonos product.

For businesses using a CloudBox, line-in can provide a direct local audio connection from the CloudBox into the Sonos system. This setup may be a good fit for locations that prefer a dedicated playback device while continuing to use Sonos speakers as part of their audio setup.

The following Sonos products support line-in, though some models may require a Sonos Line-In Adapter:

  • Play:5 (gen2)

  • Play:5 (gen1)

  • Era 100 (requires the Sonos Line-In Adapter)

  • Era 300 (requires the Sonos Line-In Adapter)

  • Move 2 (requires the Sonos Line-In Adapter)

  • Connect

  • Connect:Amp

  • Amp

  • Port

Line-in may not be available in every Sonos configuration. For example, Sonos disables line-in on some products when they are being used as surround speakers with a Sonos home theater setup.

If you are connecting a CloudBox, connect the CloudBox audio output to the supported Sonos line-in input using the appropriate cable or adapter for your Sonos model. If you are streaming from a mobile device or computer, connect that device to the supported Sonos line-in input and then start playback from the Pandora CloudCover app or web player.

If you would like to adjust your line-in settings, you can do this. Just check out the Sonos article here.


4. Sonos Speakers Without Audio Input Port

If your unit doesn't have a line-input, you can bridge the unit to another Sonos unit that does (e.g. PLAY:1 and PLAY:3).  

You can also add a Sonos CONNECT to your setup in order to stream Cloud Cover Music. Go to the Sonos website for videos and to learn more about this external HUB system. 

Sonos CONNECT Features:

  • Stream all the music on earth to your stereo

  • Wireless, easy to set up music player

  • Play alone, or link to other Sonos music players in your home

  • Control from anywhere with your smartphone or tablet

Adding CloudCover to the Sonos CONNECT

  • CloudBox: Plug the red/white RCA end points into the back of the Sonos CONNECT device.

  • Computer: You will need a stereo to RCA Y-adapter audio cable (one 1/8-inch stereo headset plug to dual RCA male connectors) to connect the Sonos product’s analog audio output into the computer’s audio input.

  • iOS & Android Apps: If you are connecting a portable music player to the Sonos CONNECT, you will need a 1/8 inch mini-stereo to RCA audio cable instead. Plug the mini-stereo end into the portable device and the RCA end into the Audio In port on the Sonos product.

Once you have the CloudBox connected to the line-in port on your Sonos player, you can start playing using the Sonos controller.

Using the Sonos Controller App for iOS or Android:

From the Browse menu, select Line-In, select the source, and select Play Now.


Using the Sonos Controller App for Mac or PC:
From the MUSIC pane, right-click on the music source and select Play Now.

For more information, please take a look at the Sonos help article here


Troubleshooting

Streaming Issues

If you are not hearing music: 

  • Check the audio cables to make sure the RCA cables are plugged into Line-in and not Line-out 

  • The Line-In audio source will automatically appear in the Sonos App when plugged in correctly. 

  • If no Line-In option appears, please check the RCA cables again or to try another cord. 

  • If you have trouble with music cutting in and out on your Sonos system:

  • This might be due to the settings. Try turning your audio settings to "Compressed" by going Menu > Settings > Advanced Settings > Audio Compression in the Sonos app. This will allow the Sonos to more consistently stream audio over your network.

Sonos CONNECT Help Guide

CloudCover Streaming Device and Software Help

  • If you require assistance with setting up your streaming device or establishing a streaming connection, please use the chat feature in the bottom right of this page. You can also e-mail support@cloudcovermusic.com. or call our customer support line at 844-422-6249.

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