Blink is a range of wireless home security cameras that are relatively cheap, simple to install, and allow remote viewing through a smartphone application. A common query regarding Blink cameras is whether they come with an audio feature through which the cameras can record sound in addition to the videos.

The answer to this question is yes, most of the Blink camera products come with built-in microphones and can record sound alongside the video. Nevertheless, there are some crucial things that one must know about Blink cameras and their audio capabilities.

Audio Recording Capabilities

For example, all Blink camera models such as Blink Mini, Blink Indoor, Blink Outdoor, Blink Video Doorbell, Blink Floodlight Cam, etc. have integrated microphones that enable them to record audio along with the video. This makes them able to record anything in the vicinity including conversations, barking dogs, and cars passing by among others.

The audio can be toggled on or off at will through the Blink app which is a plus for the users. With audio recording on, the cameras will record both audio and video clips as soon as motion is detected within their view. The audio-video recording feature is an added advantage in clarifying events that may have occurred when reviewing security footage at some later time.

Blink Audio Quality – The Limitations

Blink cameras do have some limitations when it comes to audio quality and capabilities: 

  • The audio has no surround or stereo, which decreases its quality.
  • Unfortunately, the microphone range is quite limited - sounds from more than 10-15 feet away from the camera might not be recorded well.
  • Two-way talk is not available through Blink cameras. They are only able to transmit one-way audio through microphones attached to them.

Yes, you will get some very simple audio recordings; however, the images will not be of very high quality, and you cannot talk directly through the cameras’ mikes. For most home security purposes, it is sufficient to listen to what is happening around you or sounds and voices in the vicinity though it’s not as good as other higher-end security cameras.

Restricting the Microphone and Camera

Another issue that should be taken into account when using the built-in microphone and recording sound on security cameras is the inviolability of a person’s private life. Blink cameras with audio capabilities can eavesdrop and capture audio, including conversations and other sounds, so you would want to be careful where you place Blink cameras to avoid recording unintended audio.

With the Blink app, there is an option of muting the audio on the specific camera if one so wishes. It is also possible to define motion detection zones and record audio only in certain periods. For careful consideration of which areas, time of the day, and situations should necessitate audio monitoring.

You will also need to let any person likely to come inside Blink camera-covered zones such as family members, guests, contractors, and anyone else that recording audio is possible. Make sure those you live with or share the space with agree to be part of the project and have their conversations recorded by the cameras. Switch off or tilt down cameras in situations where you do not wish to be recording audio in the process.

Extra Expense in Storing and Broadcasting the Audio

Even though Blink cameras have onboard audio for free for Blink cameras, audio clips are stored and accessible in the long-term for free only when you subscribe to any paid Blink plan.

In limited features, non-subscribers have only the possibility to preview the videos and the audio samples in a limited way. If you want to save, download, and share audio (or video) clips with the police, insurance companies, or anyone else later, you will have to subscribe to one of Blink’s monthly or annual packages.

Thus, when evaluating the cost of a Blink system with audio, one should also include the cost of the camera equipment and potential subscriptions.

In conclusion, it is easy to say that the presence of audio as an option for Blink’s line of indoor/outdoor security cameras can certainly provide additional value. However, ensure that you consider the fact that it has some drawbacks such as audio quality, the range it covers, some privacy issues, and the fact that some of its features are only accessible through a subscription. First, try to check the audio pickup and quality before placing cameras in locations where clear recordings of discussions or other important sounds are required.

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