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How-To: Audio Inputs
- Thread starter nayr
- Start date
StratRider
Getting comfortable
While trying to figure out which cameras I want/need for a NEW install - Audio became an item to consider and this thread answered most of the questions but I do want to be clear.
1. Between the 5231 and a 2231 turret cameras I could save $50 with the 2231 and then spend about $20 to add what appears to be a more powerful microphone - does this seem worth it ?
2. I am assuming that any microphone attached in this manner is also recorded with the video in Blue Iris but please confirm.
1. Between the 5231 and a 2231 turret cameras I could save $50 with the 2231 and then spend about $20 to add what appears to be a more powerful microphone - does this seem worth it ?
2. I am assuming that any microphone attached in this manner is also recorded with the video in Blue Iris but please confirm.
Fastb
Known around here
You only raise money as the deciding factor. But there are other things to consider.
- The powered external mic will require a POE splitter to a) power the mic and b) power the cam, even if it's a poe cam. The correct splitter will have two dc outputs, one for the cam (poe cam or not) and one for the mic. Or one DC output, with a 1-to-2 splitter cable splitter, to power both devices.
- The bulk of the poe splitter may require a larger junction box, maybe adding cost.
- Mounting the external mic, and protecting it from the moisture and elements adds some additional minor complexity.
- aiming an external mic helps focus where you are listening. You have the ability to mount the mic a distance from the cam, which may be useful for a front door installation.
- Internal mics generally have a limit on what they can pick up, audio-wise. The external mic gives you flexibility, both location and sensitivity. And usually, more sensitive pickup...
- Your $ comparison shows a $30 difference. Your numbers may be correct, but the decision is more nuanced than a pure cost comparison.
I can't comment on BI. I have an NVR.
Good luck!
Fastb
StratRider
Getting comfortable
Thanks for the response @Fastb.
I only considered the $ because I haven't bought them yet, thus have my options open.
You raised an interesting point on locating the microphone though - hadn't thought of that.
Even in checking the reviews on the 5231, I do not remember much commentary on the audio portion of that and a stronger mic would be a nice plus.
As long as the audio gets recorded also - I think 2231's with an extra mic will be the way to go for me.
I'm handy, but I only like to do things once - so I ask and plan as much as possible.
Thanks again.
I only considered the $ because I haven't bought them yet, thus have my options open.
You raised an interesting point on locating the microphone though - hadn't thought of that.
Even in checking the reviews on the 5231, I do not remember much commentary on the audio portion of that and a stronger mic would be a nice plus.
As long as the audio gets recorded also - I think 2231's with an extra mic will be the way to go for me.
I'm handy, but I only like to do things once - so I ask and plan as much as possible.
Thanks again.
Fastb
Known around here
Fair comments, and raised some additional thoughts.
Search here for analysis/comments from the highly respected Nayr here. IIRC, he reviewed a top-end directional mic, to hear people far from his cam (by his mailbox). Point is: if you go down the external mic path, you have lots of options, and can tailor to your situation.
An internal mic may be "okay".
And for BI, again I can't comment. Am not sure of the audio path back to my NVR. It may or may not have used the ip data conductors. The ip cam uses 4 of the 8 conductors. I can't remember if I piped the external mic audio into the NVR "audio in" inputs or not. I suspect the external mic audio data wasn't merged into the ip cam data, using the splitter.. While my NVR could merge audio and video, maybe BI can't? You figger that out....
Fastb
Search here for analysis/comments from the highly respected Nayr here. IIRC, he reviewed a top-end directional mic, to hear people far from his cam (by his mailbox). Point is: if you go down the external mic path, you have lots of options, and can tailor to your situation.
An internal mic may be "okay".
And for BI, again I can't comment. Am not sure of the audio path back to my NVR. It may or may not have used the ip data conductors. The ip cam uses 4 of the 8 conductors. I can't remember if I piped the external mic audio into the NVR "audio in" inputs or not. I suspect the external mic audio data wasn't merged into the ip cam data, using the splitter.. While my NVR could merge audio and video, maybe BI can't? You figger that out....
Yes, usually my approach. Plan, plan, plan, then do. Avoid re-do's
Fastb
I'm trying connect an external mic to my SD49425XB-HNR but I think I'm missing an adapter for my audio in wires, am I looking for something called an HD video balun? I currently have a POE splitter and these are the two mics I am testing. Feels like I'm missing an adapter for these skinny white and black wires. Does anyone know what that adapter is called? Looks like I need to convert that to an RCA connection.
Fastb
Known around here
Tran383,
Ixnay on the balun.
To connect the 2 wires together, the first consideration may be space in the junction box. The POE splitter may consume most of the space.
If this is the case, scavenging a stereo patch cord. You may have spare. Cut off the connector, leaving some tbd lenth of lead. The solder. Or use very small wire nuts. Or crimp-on splices.
Before you do the above, you can test everything by simply twisting the wires together.
Good luck,
Fastb
Ixnay on the balun.
To connect the 2 wires together, the first consideration may be space in the junction box. The POE splitter may consume most of the space.
If this is the case, scavenging a stereo patch cord. You may have spare. Cut off the connector, leaving some tbd lenth of lead. The solder. Or use very small wire nuts. Or crimp-on splices.
Before you do the above, you can test everything by simply twisting the wires together.
Good luck,
Fastb
What a great idea on the spare stereo cords! You're right, there isn't a lot of real estate to tuck behind. Thanks!
railcam
Getting the hang of it
I just thought I would add a bit for any potential UK users that may require audio.
We have been using these mics successfully across 50 cameras for over a year now and coupled with a POE splitter and Wind muff the quality is pretty acceptable.
Mic -(also have a gain adjustment built in) Vanxse® Mini Microphone High Sensitive Pickup Audio Mic waterproof Metal Case for Cctv Security Camera DVR System: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools
Wind Muff -(these have survived 2 winters and still fine) - POE splitter 2Amp -
We have been using these mics successfully across 50 cameras for over a year now and coupled with a POE splitter and Wind muff the quality is pretty acceptable.
Mic -(also have a gain adjustment built in) Vanxse® Mini Microphone High Sensitive Pickup Audio Mic waterproof Metal Case for Cctv Security Camera DVR System: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools
Wind Muff -(these have survived 2 winters and still fine) - POE splitter 2Amp -
This topic was very helpful to me today and I wanted to thank you. Thanks!
Since I am cutting into the factory wiring already (to ditch their crappy microphone) I think I may go one step further and try to pull 12V from the camera board, either directly (if it has 12V pins on the PCB someplace) or by using a little buck converter board that should fit in the camera housing itself. Rather than using the PoE “unsplitter,” which is basically a wall wart on a string and must be the weak link in this mod.
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Take a look here: Dahua camera mod to power external IR light
Since that original post I've made the mod to about a half dozen different models and it's the same procedure on all of them. The newer cameras are smaller geometry so you need to be able to do fairly tiny space soldering. Different models require a different level of disassembly to get at the subject diode. On every one I've done, there's a "+" screened next to the correct diode, and as a double check you can verify that one end of it is zero ohms to the middle of the DC connector. Also, on every one I've done, pulling 4 watts is the practical limit. I use POE splitters on a few cameras and have never had a problem with them. The main thing I like about pulling power from the camera is eliminating the rats nest of wires when using the splitter, and the associated headache of protecting them from the weather.