Why is there no sound or audio playing (DVR)?

This article applies to audio sounds from recordings in playback or live stream for DVR. You will find the most common reasons in order below to help you troubleshoot and possibly resolve the issue.

1. DVR camera may not have a built-in microphone.

Majority of Swann DVR cameras do not have built-in microphones. Recently, a few cameras were released with built-in microphones. If the camera model you have does not have a built-in microphone, then you need a self-powered external microphone (for Channel 1). See this link: What type of microphone can we connect to the DVR for audio recording?

The number of cameras allowed for audio recording will depend on the number of AUDIO IN ports that your DVR has on its back panel.

2. DVR camera with built-in microphone may not be compatible with your DVR.

See this link: PRO cameras with built-in microphones: Which DVR is compatible?

3. The BNC cable used for DVR cameras with built-in microphones are older or different than the purple cables that came with the camera.

See this link: Will any BNC cable work on my DVR cameras?

4. The audio settings have not been enabled yet in the Main Menu via TV.

1. Go to Main Menu > Record (left side) > Mainstream (tab) to see this setting.
   
   (Note: if you cannot see the Audio column, it means Coaxial Audio is already selected in steps 5-6)
2. Check each box under Audio to enable. (You can uncheck to disable).
3. Click on Apply at the bottom to save the settings (before clicking on another tab).
4. Repeat the same steps for Substream tab.
5. For V8 DVRs, there is an additional setting. Go to Main Menu > System (left side) > General (tab).
   
6. Select the correct Audio Input Type based on the type of microphone you are using: 
   1. If you are using the original cables that came with the cameras (with built-in microphone), select Coaxial audio.
   2. If you are using an external self-powered microphone, select RCA Audio.
7. Click on Apply at the bottom to save the setting.

5.  You are using a VGA connection for the monitor instead of HDMI (for audio via TV/monitor)

VGA, or Video Graphics Array, is primarily used for transmitting video signals, but it doesn't natively carry sound. If you're using a VGA cable to connect your computer to a monitor, you'll need a separate audio cable for the AUDIO OUT port to transmit sound to a third-party speaker via RCA cable.

However, if you have a TV with an HDMI port, you can use an HDMI cable to transmit both audio and video.

6. The audio volume setting on the DVR's display (via TV) is low or on mute.

1. Right-click the mouse on the live view screen of the DVR to see the taskbar at the bottom.
   
   The icon in this screenshot means audio is enabled.
2. Clicking on it will mute the audio or let you see the setting to lower or increase the volume for liveview or playback.

7. The exported clips may not be compatible with your computer software for playback.

Recordings that are exported via USB flashdrive for playback in a computer are in AVI (for Windows) or MP4 (for MacOS) file format. If your computer's default video player software plays no audio, you can try using a third-party software that can support various file formats, such as VLC media player.

8. Swann Security app is not updated (for audio via Swann Security app)

1. Check this link first to know what app version you have: How to get the Swann Security App version and your phone's operating system version numbers 
2. Check App Store or PlayStore for the most recent app version.
3. If the app is not updating in your phone, uninstall the app first. Then re-download and install the app.

9.  Volume of your mobile device may be off or muted (for audio via Swann Security app)

Ensure that all audio is not muted and that adequate volume levels are selected. You may check your mobile device's user manual on how to check and configure the volume of your device. 

For instance,

• In iOS devices, if the sound and vibration settings on the iPhone are in silent mode instead of ringing mode, the audio will be off.
• Android devices may have more than one audio setting. The musical note icon is visible and enabled using the volume buttons, but the speaker icon may be in mute upon checking. 

10. Audio from the Swann Security app's live view will not play by default.

If you are streaming multiple cameras in Live View, audio will not play.

1. From Live View, go to a single camera.
2. Tap on the speaker icon to mute first.
3. Then tap the speaker icon again to unmute in order to hear audio.

11. You are using an external microphone instead of camera with built-in microphone (for audio via Swann Security app)

For more information, go to this link: Can I hear audio from an external microphone (that is connected to a DVR AUDIO IN port) via app or software?