Getting Started

This article explains the different types of audio input support across Avonic camera models and how to properly connect and configure them.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Getting Started
• Audio Support by Camera Model
  • No Audio Input
  • 3.5mm Line-in Audio
  • Balanced Audio Input
• Audio Delay Setting (CM70/CM90)
• Audio Limitations on USB Output (CM70)

Audio Support by Camera Model

Check the datasheet of your camera for the audio support. There are 3 option.

No Audio Input

For example the CM41 and CM44 does not support audio input or audio embedding on any output.

3.5mm Line-in Audio

For example the CM40 features a 3.5mm audio Line-in jack for embedding audio into HDMI and SDI outputs (not USB). It supports only line-level signals and does not include a built-in microphone preamp.

Audio can be enabled/disabled and configured via the camera web GUI or HTTP API. Settings include sample rate, bitrate, delay, and input volume.

Balanced Audio Input

For example the CM70 and CM 90 series supports a balanced audio Line-in via a 5-pin Phoenix connector. Audio is embedded into the IP stream, HDMI, and SDI outputs (not USB).

Audio can be enabled/disabled and configured via the camera web GUI or HTTP API. Settings include sample rate, bitrate, delay, and input volume.

Required Components

• Dual XLR male to 5-pin Phoenix connector (e.g. CTBP92HE/5)
• Audio mixer or interface with XLR output
• PoE network cable for IP streaming

Wiring Instructions

1. Connect the XLR cable to the XLR connectors as shown in Picture 1. The connector backs are mirrored.
2. Connect the cable to the Phoenix connector according to Picture 2.

* Cable wire colors may vary. Identify left, right and ground (GND) wires before connecting.

Audio Delay Setting (CM70/CM90)

In the CM7x series, the audio delay can be configured in the camera web GUI under the Audio tab. Adjustable from 0 to 200 ms.

Audio Limitations on USB Output (CM70)

The CM70 embeds audio only into IP, SDI, and HDMI outputs—not into USB output. This may affect use in video conferencing setups that require an external microphone over USB.

Alternative Solutions:

• Connect a USB microphone directly to the laptop running the video conferencing application.
• Use the Avonic UEX150 USB 2.0 Extender to bridge longer distances and provide an extra USB port on the receiver side.

• Use the HDMI output of the camera and connect it to a CAP100 HDMI to USB 3.0 capture device. This will deliver uncompressed video and embedded audio to the laptop.

• Consider the CM70-NDI which allows streaming via NDI and using the NDI Webcam Input tool to emulate USB video input with audio.

More information on NDI tools can be found in this article on the Avonic Knowledge Base.

Balanced Audio Connection

To connect balanced audio to the camera, you need the following:

• Double Male XLR cable with the possibility to connect it to a 5-pin phoenix connector (CTBP92HE/5: see package contents).
• Audio input device with multiple XLR input/outputs, such as a mixer. (It is also possible to use audio over HDMI).
• PoE (CAT) cable for streaming. See below:

Follow the instructions below to connect the audio cable to the Phoenix and the XLR connectors.

1. Connect the wires of the audio cable as shown in picture 1 to both XLR connectors. Note that the pictures of the connector's back are mirrored!
2. Connect the wires on the other side of the audio cable as shown in picture 2.

The colors of the wires in your audio cable may differ from the ones shown in the pictures (XLR and Phoenix connector) below. You need to identify the left and right channels, as well as the GND (ground) wire.

Picture 1: XLR connector  Picture 2: Phoenix connector

Balanced Audio Connection

• Double male XLR cable to 5-pin Phoenix connector
• Audio mixer with XLR outputs
• PoE CAT cable (for streaming)

Picture 1: XLR connector

Picture 2: Phoenix connector

AUDIO

Connect an audio cable with XLR connectors to the 5-pin Phoenix connector and plug the cable into the camera. See Balanced Audio Connection for more details.

Audio Settings in WebGUI

Figure 18: WebGUI > Audio

Make your settings as follows:

1. Enable (checked) or disable (blank) embedding of audio input (camera rear).
2. Encoding type: only AAC.
3. Sample rate: only 48000.
4. Set the sample bits always to 16.
5. Select the Bitrate: 32, 48, 64, 96 or 128 Kbps.
6. Select the Channel: Mono or Stereo.
7. Set the Input Volume: 1 ~ 10.
8. Set the Audio Delay (ms): 0 ~ 200.
9. Click SAVE to apply your settings. A small confirmation dialogue appears in the bottom right corner.

Make sure to enable audio and to click the audio button at the bottom of the "Preview page" of the WebGUI.