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Audio Challenge (Push to Talk)
Enable two-way communication on-site through your TetherBox's 3.5mm audio jack. Broadcast pre-recorded messages or speak directly to site personnel via connected speakers or PA systems.
Tip: This feature is also known as talk down, two-way audio, push to talk (PTT), or live audio in the security industry.
Hardware Setup
Your TetherBox includes a 3.5mm audio jack on the back for connecting speakers.
Audio jack location on rear of TetherBox
Supported devices: Speakers, PA systems, tannoys with 3.5mm input
Connection: Plug 3.5mm cable from TetherBox to speaker/PA system
Power: Ensure speaker/PA system has independent power source
Tip: Axis IP Speakers are supported. For other IP speaker models or cameras with built-in speakers, request device compatibility.
Configuration
Enable Audio Challenge
- Go to Admin → TetherBoxes and select your TetherBox
- Open the Settings tab
- Scroll to the Audio Challenge section
- Toggle Audio Challenge on
- Optionally select or upload custom audio files
Grant User Permissions
Users need explicit permission to use audio challenge:
- Go to Admin → Users and select a user
- Open the Permissions & Notifications tab
- Enable Allow Audio Challenge
- Click Update User
Using Two-Way Audio
Live communication with two-way audio requires your camera to have a built-in microphone.
Navigate to Live View and double-tap camera to fullscreen
Press and hold the microphone icon (lower right corner)
Speak naturally - record up to 10 seconds and release to broadcast
Listen for return audio from on-site microphone
Tip: The camera must be fullscreen and have a built-in microphone to hear audio from site. Without a microphone, your audio broadcasts but you cannot hear responses.
Using Pre-Recorded Messages
Pre-recorded audio works on any camera without a microphone requirement.
Go to Live View and double-tap your camera to fullscreen
Tap the speaker icon to broadcast pre-recorded message
Audio plays through connected speaker/PA system automatically
Related Articles
How to Enable ONVIF - Enable microphone input for two-way audio with your cameras
Hardware Specifications - Audio jack connector specifications and technical details
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