Troubleshooting Avigilon Camera Microphone and Audio Issues
Avigilon cameras are renowned for their superior video quality, but many models also include high-fidelity microphones for recording audio evidence. Whether you're monitoring a reception desk, an interview room, or an outdoor area, clear audio can provide critical context that video alone cannot.
If you're experiencing issues such as no audio on playback, distorted sound, or low volume, this guide will walk you through the essential steps within the Avigilon Control Center (ACC) and on the hardware itself to diagnose and resolve the problem.
Important Preliminary Note: Before enabling audio, you must be familiar with and adhere to your local jurisdiction's laws regarding audio recording and privacy.
Step 1: Verify Hardware and Model Capabilities
The first step is to confirm that your hardware actually supports audio recording.
- Check Camera Specifications: Not every Avigilon camera has a built-in microphone. Refer to the official data sheet for your specific camera model (e.g., H5A, H4A) to confirm that it has an "Integrated Microphone" or an "Audio In" port.
- Inspect the Camera: Look for a small pinhole opening on the camera housing, which indicates the location of the built-in microphone. Ensure this opening is not blocked by the camera mount, junction box, or any debris.
- External Microphones: If you are using an external microphone connected to the camera's audio-in port, verify that the microphone is powered (if required) and that the physical connection is secure.
Step 2: Enable Audio in Avigilon Control Center (ACC)
By default, audio recording is often disabled in the ACC software for privacy reasons. You will need administrative privileges to change these settings.
- Log in to the ACC Client.
- In the Site Setup tab, select the camera you want to configure.
- The camera's settings will open. Click on the Compression and Image Rate tab.
- Look for an Audio section or a checkbox labelled Enable Audio.
- Check the box to enable audio recording.
- You may also see an Audio Input Gain setting. If the audio is too quiet, you can increase this level. If it's distorted or "clipping", you may need to decrease it.
- Click OK to save the changes. The camera may reboot.
Note: After enabling, you will need to check both the live view and a new recording to confirm audio is being captured, as changes do not apply retroactively.
Step 3: Check Client-Side and Playback Settings
Sometimes audio is being recorded correctly, but it's muted on the client you are using for playback.
In the ACC Client Live View
- When viewing the camera live, look for a speaker icon in the viewing pane or toolbar.
- Ensure the speaker is not muted and that the volume slider is turned up.
During Playback
- Similarly, when reviewing recorded footage, ensure the volume controls within the ACC playback interface are unmuted and turned up.
- Check the audio output on the computer itself. Make sure the system volume is up and that the correct playback device (speakers or headphones) is selected.
Rule Out Codec Issues
While rare with a fully integrated system like Avigilon, ensure your ACC client version is compatible with your server and camera firmware. Mismatched versions can sometimes cause playback issues. Perform regular updates on all components of your Avigilon ecosystem to maintain stability and performance.
By systematically verifying your camera's capabilities, enabling the audio stream in the ACC server settings, and ensuring your client's volume is active, you can resolve most common microphone and audio playback issues with your Avigilon security system.