Most of the Dahua HD-CVI cameras have the ability to pick up sound via a built-in or external microphone. Audio settings are always controlled by the DVR, however, may need to be turned on manually by the user since the audio settings are usually disabled by default (since many legislation don’t allow audio recording).
Audio related issues may also be caused by the Smart Codec feature being enabled which may block audio capabilities of the camera.
By default, the Smart Codec feature is turned off, however, if it is turned on for any reason, it will need to be turned off in order for the microphone to pick up audio.
This issue can be resolved directly from the DVR’s interface, however, it is recommended to use the web user interface via any web browser (better to use Internet Explorer). The guide below shows how to fix audio issues on a Dahua HD-CVI DVR. Audio related issues: no audio, microphone not working or audio is not being recorded.
Audio not working on Dahua DVR
Step 1. Make sure your DVR is connected to the local network. Access the machine via the web browser. Use your admin username and password to login.
Step 2. Click on the Management tab and select Camera.
Step 3. Select Encode and make sure the Smart Codec is set to Off. Then click on More Setting.
Step 4. Click on the Audio Enable checkbox.
Step 5. Click on the Encode Mode drop down menu and select either G.711u or AAC.
Step 6. Since the audio will be coming from the camera side (meaning the camera has a built-in mic), click on the Audio Source drop down menu and select HDCVI. Press Save.
Note: If an external microphone is being used on your setup and is being plugged into the Audio In port on the back of your DVR, you can select Local.
Step 7. Click the Save button to save the audio settings to your DVR.
The audio from your camera (channel) can now be heard in either the gDMSS or iDMSS phone app or directly from the TV where the DVR is hooked up (ensure that the monitor has speakers and turn up the volume).
Note: this guide works for Dahua and their OEMs sold under these brands: Activecam, Advidia, Amcrest, Ameta, Ascendent, Backstreet Surveillance, BV Security, CCTV Security Pros, CCTV Star, CP Plus (Orange Line), Dax Networks, eLine, ENS (formerly Eastern CCTV and SavvyTech), Expose, Lorex, GSS, Honeywell, IC Realtime, Ikegami, Impath Networks, Inaxsys, IndigoVision, Infinity CCTV, Innekt, Intelbras, KBVision, Lumixen, Maxron, Montavue, Oco, Optiview, Rhodium, RVI, Saxco, Security Camera King (Elite), Space Technology, Speco, ToughDog, Tyco Holis, Tyco Illustra Essentials, Unisight, VIP Vision, Watchnet, Winic, Zuum.