IP2M-841 External Microphone / Speaker ?

[Pangolin728]

I'm seeking feedback on getting an extension mic/speaker working off the rear audio ports to work for a two-way disabled daughter bedroom monitor.

The Built-in microphone and speaker don't have the volume level and clarity at the greater distance needed for video. I got this camera anticipating that the external jacks were going to be necessary. I've got a hardwired network setup, video is awesome, built-in audio would probably cut it at closer range.

However, I've been unsuccessful in hooking up an external microphone to work at all. I've tried all the permutations on the Audio Config menu to no avail. When I switch from Mic over to LineIn, the silence is deafening. I've got a couple of different microphones; a desktop computer shotgun sort of thing and all-purpose desktop/karaoke broader field. With a direct connect on their short cords to the rear 3.5mm, and a radio blaring at 12 inches, nothing but great Live video. I'm stumped. Something tricky and undocumented in configuration ? Anyone suggest a microphone they've used? Maybe an amplified microphone to offset signal loss for the 24' run around the room ?

I haven't even tried the extension speaker thing yet. I'm sure it'll work - just tell me you've got something working. I've got tons on spare speakers and mini-amps.

[guapo131]

I have not tried this, but based on my prior knowledge of home speakers, etc. ... Be aware of the following.

When you have a "mic" jack (like on the side of a laptop), this is generally where people plug in separate external mics (like what you talked about trying). These microphones are actually "powered". There are 2 smaller sub-cables inside of that one main cable. One of the sub-cable carries the power and the "signal" at the same time, and the other sub-cable is the ground. Maybe i'm not explaining this quite right, but bottom line, this matters because of the next paragraph.

When you have a "line in" jack, (like on your IPcam), "line in" jacks generally do not have any "power" involved at all. Just 2 cables inside the main line: one signal and one ground. So there is nothing to "power" the microphone.

OK, so maybe you don't understand what i'm talking about yet. Maybe one way to demonstrate this is to plug a headphone output (like from your phone) into the "line in" port on your IPcam. Then try to listen to that over the amcrestview.com or network. That config would work because there is nothing for the IPcam to power.

So now you're probably asking, OK, well, how does that help me. I want a separate mic plugged into the line-in port. How do i "power" the mic? I actually don't know. I've never had this problem before. But your google search is as good as mine. At least you know the above info now.

[[email protected]]

Pangolin728, did you get a result for your mike/speaker plug in problem.
I've tried non-powered set ups without success but I don't have access to a powered mike or speaker (yet)

[Turnkeys]

Hope this thread isn't too old to resurrect it.

Has anyone had any luck with this camera and external mics? I haven't tried yet, there are other issues with this unit I've been attempting to resolve.

I have a couple PC stick mics, one powered, one unpowered. Examining the connectors, I was reminded that they're stereo mics.

Has anyone tried mono mics & speakers?

[imccullen1]

I'm using the IP2M-841 as a baby monitor and would like to mount a micropone on the baby's crib. The onboard microphone picks up too much room noise (white noise machine) so I want to get closer to the desired audio source (baby in a crib).

I can't get this microphone (https://amzn.com/B00FCLIE78) to work with the IP2M-841, but it works very well with my FOSCAM cameras (9821 and 9831). It's pickup pattern is directional which helps eliminate unwanted noise.

I've been dealing with Amcrest Tech Support who reccommended this microphone (https://goo.gl/3PMiKO). They say it can be used with an extension, so I'm going to give that a shot.

They also reccomended this microphone (https://amzn.com/B010XD1SC2) which has a mono 3.5mm plug.

[Turnkeys]

Did you have any good results with either of those mics? I gave up on it for a time. Recently saw the need renewed.

[lford6343*]

Powered computer speakers work great. I've tried the (https://amzn.com/B010XD1SC2) microphone. I tried that with the berringer 100 power amplifier. I tried a powered microphone and could only heard was a click.

This is the one spot that Amcrest support is worthless on. They have no idea as to what microphone to use on their system.

[Melvin]

Hello lford6343*,

After connecting MIC, ensure that you change the Audio settings of the camera under setup > Camera > Video > audio to LIne in instead of MIC.This has to be changed from the web interface of the camera from a PC

[Chassquirrel]

Hello lford6343*,

After connecting MIC, ensure that you change the Audio settings of the camera under setup > Camera > Video > audio to LIne in instead of MIC.This has to be changed from the web interface of the camera from a PC

I changed the setting to Line in and still don't hear anything at all. Does the external mic need to have it's own power source?

[Melvin]

Hello Chassquirrel,

Yes the Mic should be externally powered.