Audio Surveillance Mic Recording Setup - iDVR-PRO CCTV DVRs
iDVR-PRO CCTV / HD camera DVRs can be connected to microphones to record audio surveillance onto the same hard drive as the security cameras being recorded. Depending on the model, iDVR-PROs can support 4, 8, and 16 microphone inputs. Each mic can be associated with a security camera so that when recording is played back, video and audio are synchronized. All iDVR-PRO models, including the original and the latest HD hybrid models, support audio surveillance. In addition to the recording capability on the DVR, users can also use the client applications to remotely access live audio and recorded playback. At this time, remote audio is supported by the iDVR-PRO viewer app for Android.
Surveillance Mic Wiring
The MIC-CCTV-02 is an extremely popular surveillance microphone that we supply. It can be seen in the above image and in the below video. Besides having very good audio quality for small to medium-sized rooms, it is simple to wire to DVRs. Watch the below video to see how it is done using premade Siamese coax cables (the same ones used for CCTV cameras). Basically, coax cable with RCA connectors are used to connect the audio output of the mic to one of the inputs on the DVR. If you use Siamese cable, like the video shows, you can power the mic from a source near the DVR.
Another option for wiring a microphone to your DVR is to use a spool of RG59 Siamese cable. This requires a bit more work because you need to cut the cable and attach connectors on the ends. Take a look at this RG59 cable kit with compression connectors and tools. There is a video on that page that shows how to cut and crimp cable. That kit includes BNC connectors. Microphones use RCA connectors. The process is the same to connect a compression-type male RCA connector like this one.
Audio Surveillance Recording Setup
After your alarm device is properly wired to the DVR input, you can begin configuring the software on the DVR. Using the USB Mouse that is included with the DVR, click the Menu button in the lower left portion of the screen, then select Recording Setup. (Shown Below)
On the recording setup screen, the operation mode tab will be selected on the left. Check to see if your recording mode is set to "Auto Configuration" or "Manual Configuration". If you are using Auto Configuration, then audio will automatically be recorded on all channels. If mode is set to manual, then click on the type(s) of recording that your DVR is configured for (Continuous, Motion, Alarm).
You can see the continuous recording screen below. For each camera, you can specify if you want recording turned on or off. You can specify the times of the day that you want recording enabled for by clicking and dragging the mouse across the hours at the top of the screen to select them. You can then select On / Off using the drop down for each camera. Repeat these steps for motion detection and alarm recording.
After you set up the recording schedule for each recording type, click on the Audio Mapping tab on the left. This screen lets you associate cameras with microphones.
Click Apply, then close when you are done. Audio recording is now set up on the DVR.
Audio Output Setup
You can listen to the audio being captured from the mic(s) connected to your DVR by connecting speakers to the DVR or by using an HDMI monitor that has built-in speakers. If you are going to use stand-alone speakers, there is a single RCA audio output on the back of the DVR.
To set up audio output, click on theMenu button in the lower left portion of the screen, then select System Setup. On the main menu, click on Audio, on the Audio menu.
On this screen, you can setup the following.
Audio Output Type: select RCA if you are connecting speakers to the DVR's RCA output. Select HDMI if you are using an HDMI monitor with built-in speakers.
Default Live Audio Channel: choose the channel that you want to be enabled on the speakers by default or select off.
Network Audio Transmission: turn this on if you want to access audio surveillance remotely using client applications and mobile apps.
Receive Network Audio: future use for 2-way audio support
After you select your settings, click on apply, then close.
Hybrid iDVR-PROs work with the following security camera types and resolutions.
AHD Cameras (720p and 1080p resolution models supported)
TVI Cameras (720p and 1080p resolution models supported)
Analog CCTV Cameras (all analog resolution supported including CIF, D1, 960H)
Request a Demo
If you do not currently have an iDVR-PRO and would like to log in to the demo unit at our office, please request a demo login below. You will be able to log in from iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile devices. You can also log in from Macintosh and Windows computers. Please click here to request a demo login.
Complete CCTV Systems
Did you know? CCTV Camera Pros can provide a complete surveillance system quote that includes any iDVR-PRO model with cameras, cables, connectors, power supplies, and monitors? We can even mix and match SD and HD security cameras because the latest iDVR-PROs are hybrid. They work with CCTV, AHD, and HD-TVI type cameras. As you have probably already seen on our website, we have 2, 4, 8, and 16 camera surveillance systems in pre-made packages. However, it is not possible for us to package up every combination and quantity of all the different camera models that we carry. So, we can also provide you with a custom quote with as many cameras as you need and a mix of any combination of camera model(s) based on your project requirements.
About the Author
This article was written by Mike Haldas, co-founder and managing partner of CCTV Camera Pros. If you have any questions about iPhone security camera app for iDVR, please email me at mike@cctvcamerapros.net.
Be First to know of our deals and promotions. Sign up for our mailing list:
