Cloudvue’s cloud-based recording solution provides the ability to record and playback audio. Many models of Illustra IQ cameras configured for Camera to Cloud (C2C) recording with Cloudvue’s services provide audio capabilities. Check your specific Illustra IQ camera model to determine audio support.
Considering audio quality, refer to manufacturer recommendations and guidelines on microphone selection and installation placement.
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Camera Terminals
When examining your Illustra IQ camera, locate the I/O terminals. Determine which terminals are used for audio input. Examples from different models of Illustra IQ cameras are pictured below.
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Microphone Wiring
You will need a microphone with a pre-amplifier capable of producing a line level output that can be connected directly to the camera’s audio inputs.
If using a mic level output microphone, you will need a mic pre-amp to boost the audio to line level output for connection to the rear audio input terminals. Some microphones on the market have built-in pre-amps and others may require an external pre-amp.
There are many analog microphone options on the market. This article will focus on the Louroe Verifact A microphone used with an APR-1 single zone base station since it is a very commonly encountered device.
Looking at the back of a Louroe base station you will see that there are terminal inputs to connect your microphone to the base station and RCA style jacks for input and output.
The terminals on the microphone and base station are marked A, B, and C. Connect A on the mic to A on the base station, B to B, and C to C.
Since the audio output from the Louroe base station is an RCA jack and the camera does not have RCA audio inputs, you have two options. You may strip the wire end of a common RCA to RCA audio cable or purchase an RCA to bare wire cable. These may be found online and have already been striped and separated for you.
Connect the RCA connector to the audio output of the base station. With the bare end of the wire you’ll connect the conductor wire to the positive audio input terminal. In most cases this will be red. Connect the ground wire to the negative/ground audio input terminal, this will usually be black.
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Preparing the Camera
Prior to changing the camera to Cloudvue Mode you will need to enable audio functions.
NOTE: Audio recording is restricted by law in many areas so this is disabled by default. Check the laws for audio monitoring and recording in your area prior to use since these can vary from video recording laws.
If your camera is already in Cloudvue Mode you will need to factory default it, then log into it as you would a standard IP camera using your web browser. Follow the camera manual’s steps for factory defaulting the device and accessing it within your web browser.
- Navigate to the Audio page, under the System menu.
- Check the box to Enable Audio.
- Select ‘External’ from the Input Source drop-down (only applicable on select models).
- Check that the Input Enable box is marked.
- Adjust the Input Volume level as needed.
After enabling audio, you will enable Cloudvue Mode.
- Navigate to the Maintenance page, under the System menu.
- Select the Cloudvue tab.
- Enter the Cloudvue Partner and Cloudvue Data Center as directed by your Cloudvue dealer before clicking the Apply button.
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Cloudvue Audio Configuration
Follow the steps listed elsewhere for adding video devices to your Cloudvue account.
From your Cloudvue Settings page, select the Devices tab.
Beneath the C2C Settings section, click the Audio tab. This tab features a volume slider, which you may need to use to adjust for your installation. Note, the checkbox beside the Mute setting is disabled, stating it is in the ‘Off’ position. This is the default behavior and allows audio to be recorded. Checking the box, changing it to ‘On’, will mute all audio and nothing will be recorded or heard. 
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Audio Playback
The Archive search timeline in Cloudvue does not require that audio channels be selected and does not display audio on the timeline. When playing recorded video, the associated audio will automatically be played back with the corresponding video and is included with saved clips.
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