Quick Takeaways

• Audio can be crucial evidence; enable where legal and useful.
• Mic gain that’s too high clips; too low loses speech detail.
• Noise/wind reduction (when available) improves clarity outdoors.
• Audio adds modest storage overhead compared to video.

What Audio Controls Do

Microphone enable/disable and gain adjust; some models offer noise or wind filtering. Audio codecs are efficient—storage impact is minor next to video bitrate.

How to change Audio Settings

Open the UniFi Protect web app.
Go to Cameras and select the camera.
Click Settings → Video & Audio (on some models it’s just “Video”).
Scroll to the Audio section. Typical options:
Enable Audio Recording (On/Off toggle).
Microphone Gain (slider or dropdown).
Noise Reduction / Wind Filter (if the model supports it).
Save / Apply.

Recommended Setups

• Entry/intercom zones: Mic On, moderate gain; test real voices at door distance.
• High‑wind/traffic areas: Mic On, enable noise/wind reduction, slightly lower gain.
• Privacy‑sensitive interiors: Consider Mic Off or clear signage and policy.

Tuning Tips

Run a walk‑up voice test at typical speaking volume and distance. Watch for clipping (harsh distortion) and adjust gain. Avoid mounting mics behind resonant surfaces or enclosures.

Cheat Sheet

• Doorbell/entry: Mic On, mid gain, noise reduction On.
• Indoor office: Mic On with policy; mid‑low gain to reduce HVAC hum.
• Street‑facing cam: Mic On, wind filter On, slightly reduced gain.

Final Tips

Re‑check gain seasonally; ambient noise changes. Align retention and access policies with local recording laws. Isolate mounts/cables to reduce mechanical noise.

More Settings: Go to the Ultimate Guide to UniFi Protect Video Settings

Related Posts: Explore Privacy & Detection Zones, Recording Modes, and Night Vision