Adding better audio

Some cameras have audio input capabilities, even if they don't have a built-in microphone. In these cases, you can connect an external microphone to the camera's audio input port. While this can work well and provide good quality, it's awkward because you need 1. power to the mic (usually but not always 12VDC), 2. to make sure the mic outputs a signal compatible with the camera (usually but not always line level), 3. the right cable connection from the mic to the camera, and 4. a way to keep the mic dry if used outside. Therefore, if you need audio, it's always much easier to use a camera with a built-in microphone.

Alternatively, you can use a microphone connected to the Mac - either by USB or to the Mac's audio inputs. SecuritySpy can assign this audio to any camera. The limitation here is going to be the cable length between the Mac and the camera.

The other thing to check with your existing cameras with built-in microphones is the audio encoding settings on the camera. Choose AAC format (if available) and/or increase the sample rate setting. Sometimes, the camera is set to a low-quality format by default (e.g. G.711 8kHz) and you can achieve much better quality by switching to a better format like AAC and/or upping the sample rate. Also check for a gain setting and increase this if the sound is too quiet.

If anyone knows of any Dante-compatible outdoor microphones (PoE powered) that would be interesting, in combination with the Dante Virtual Sound Card.

I've always wanted a high-resolution sound replay over my stereo from my tower-based camera views, especially in the winter when I have all the windows closed but still would like to hear what's going on outside.

Using an adapter (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1417858-REG/audinate_adp_dai_au_2x0_2_channel_dante_avio_analog.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=ba_f1_lar&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&) would also be possible, but this starts to turn into an octopus.