Connecting a microphone to a network.

October 14, 2009 7:07 AM

I have an IP webcam which allows anyone on the local area network to connect to it and view. Is there an equivalent IP-addressable device for sound only?

Basically I want an IP-addressable microphone which will stream audio over the LAN and allow people to "tune in" just as they would with a webcam. Changing the webcam for one with a mic is, unfortunately, not an option. Bonus if the device can take input from a sound mixer board. I'd prefer a device which was self-contained rather than needing a PC nearby but I could use a PC if necessary. This is for use in a theatre so performers in the dressing room can keep an eye and ear on the progress of the performance.

posted by BrokenEnglish to computers & internet (6 comments total)

Is there a particular reason you want this to run over IP? Why not just use a regular old pair of wires, or even something like a baby monitor?
posted by dmd at 7:16 AM on October 14

I agree with dmd. Since this is a fixed type of setup, a basic amp and speaker would be the best. That's what I remember being in the green room.

Now, I don't know if an appliance to do this off the top of my head, you could use something like shoutcast and stream an mp3. Doing it with IP, there will be a short lag, which might not be acceptable.
posted by Climber at 7:31 AM on October 14

Sorry I'm asking you a question and not helping, but we've had security issues at my condo building and I was wondering what kind of IP webcam you bought and how happy you are with the picture quality. Would it be good enough to identify faces?
posted by twiggy at 7:45 AM on October 14

twiggy -- my company has been happy with netbotz cameras for monitoring cabinets in a remote data center. i believe they have an optional microphone attachment as well.
posted by rmd1023 at 8:03 AM on October 14

@dmd and @Climber: The network cable is already there but the speaker wires aren't. The dressing room is some distance from the stage and I don't want to lay in cable (cable run would be about 50 metres).

@twiggy: Yes, it would be good enough for faces. It's an Axis 210. It has a larger-than-average lens and I was surprised at the overall quality.


Would still really appreciate an answer to the question if anyone has ideas :-}
posted by BrokenEnglish at 10:20 AM on October 14

An audio extender (links to a PDF) would allow you to extend a microphone using Cat5 network cable. You can purchase this device here. The same or similar device is listed here also. I can't vouch for either the device or the etailers.
posted by wannalol at 10:58 AM on October 14