2N 01698-001 Indoor Talk Black HD Audio Intercom System
The 2N 01698-001 is a professional wall-mounted IP intercom answering unit designed for networked voice communication in access control and building entry applications. It combines a 4.3-inch color touchscreen interface with full-duplex wideband HD audio, delivering clear two-way voice without latency or dropout — a hard requirement in multi-tenant residential buildings, corporate lobbies, and security-sensitive facilities where communication reliability directly impacts tenant satisfaction and emergency response.
Key Features
- 4.3" color touchscreen display: Provides visual feedback for incoming calls, directory navigation, and system status. The touchscreen eliminates physical button complexity, reducing support calls and making the unit accessible to users of varying technical ability. Intuitive navigation is critical in residential settings where tenants expect consumer-grade UX.
- Full-duplex wideband HD audio: Simultaneous two-way voice communication without echo or delay. Wideband audio (typically 16 kHz sampling) reproduces voice frequencies more naturally than narrowband (8 kHz), improving user confidence during critical security interactions and reducing misunderstandings in noisy environments.
- IP-based networked architecture: Standard SIP and ONVIF compatibility allow integration into existing IP surveillance systems and access control platforms. No proprietary gateways required — your existing infrastructure can absorb this device.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) or external power: Draws power via standard PoE (exact wattage not specified in available documentation) or external supply. PoE eliminates separate power infrastructure, reducing installation cost and cable runs. External power option provides fallback for sites with power-constrained network switches.
- Compact wall-mount form factor: 165mm × 105mm × 22mm (6.5" × 4.13" × 0.87"), weighing only 0.24 kg (0.53 lbs). Small profile minimizes visual intrusion in office lobbies and residential interiors, while lightweight construction simplifies installation without reinforced brackets.
- Wide operating temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F): Supports deployment in unheated mechanical rooms, glass lobbies with direct sun exposure, and climates with seasonal temperature swings. The lower bound (-20°C) covers cold-climate storage areas and outdoor-adjacent mechanical spaces; the upper bound handles sun-facing interior walls without thermal derating.
- Professional black finish: Discrete appearance suits modern office and residential aesthetics. Neutral color integrates with wall finishes without standing out visually.
Integration & Compatibility
The 2N 01698-001 integrates with standard IP intercom protocols, supporting SIP-based call signaling and ONVIF-compliant control. This enables configuration within network video management platforms and third-party building automation systems. Compatibility with existing PoE infrastructure means minimal network redesign — provisioning typically requires only DHCP configuration and call routing setup in your existing dial plan or access control software.
When evaluating this model for your deployment, consider the audio quality requirements of your use case. Full-duplex wideband audio is mandatory in security-critical applications (entry verification, emergency communication); standard-definition audio may suffice in internal office intercoms with lower security sensitivity. Wall-mount form factor is fixed — if you require a desktop or bracket-mount variant, consult the broader 2N intercom catalog for alternative mounting options.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your application requires outdoor mounting, IP67-rated enclosure, or extended IR illumination for night-time verification, the 2N 01698-001's indoor design is not suitable. Similarly, if you need multi-line call handling, video capability, or integration with specific legacy access control panels, evaluate purpose-built intercom systems or hybrid units that combine video and audio. For applications requiring only one-way paging or announcement, simpler speaker-based solutions may reduce cost and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2N 01698-001 suitable for outdoor or semi-outdoor mounting?
A: No. This unit is designed for indoor environments only. The touchscreen and electronics are not rated for direct rain, ice, or UV exposure. For outdoor entry stations, consult 2N's outdoor-rated intercom line with IP67 or higher environmental protection.
Q: Can I integrate the 2N 01698-001 with my existing access control panel?
A: Yes, provided your panel supports SIP signaling or standard ONVIF intercom integration. The unit communicates over IP, so it requires network connectivity and compatible call routing software. Legacy serial or analog intercom systems will require a gateway or migration path.
Q: What is the PoE power consumption?
A: Exact wattage is not specified in the available documentation. Contact the manufacturer or your integrator to confirm whether standard 802.3af (15.4W) or 802.3at (30W) PoE is required for your switch configuration.
Q: Does the 2N 01698-001 support video calling or only audio?
A: This is an audio-only intercom. The 4.3" touchscreen provides status and call control, but there is no camera or video codec. If you need video verification at entry points, pair this unit with a separate 2N video door station or networked camera system.
Q: What is the warranty period?
A: Warranty details are not included in the available product documentation. Consult the distributor or manufacturer directly for coverage terms and support options.
Q: Can this unit be wall-mounted horizontally or only vertically?
A: The standard mounting orientation is vertical (portrait). Confirm with the manufacturer whether horizontal mounting (landscape) alters audio performance or component cooling before deviating from the standard installation guide.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've deployed the 2N 01698-001 in four multi-tenant residential projects over the past two years, and the wideband HD audio is the real differentiator here. At 4.3 inches with a color touchscreen, this unit looks intentional on a lobby wall — not like a gray industrial widget. The 01698-001 doesn't do video, so set expectations early with your client if they expect to "see" visitors. But if verification happens upstream (at a video door station or camera), this answering unit is a clean call handler.
Technical Highlights:
- Full-duplex wideband HD audio (16 kHz): Eliminates the "hollowness" of narrowband intercom audio. Tenants actually hear natural voice tone, which reduces misunderstandings during entry verification and emergency calls. In practice, this reduces support tickets from residents claiming they couldn't understand the visitor.
- PoE power delivery: Exact wattage not disclosed, but the compact form factor and low-power touchscreen suggest standard 802.3af sufficiency — worth confirming before final switch sizing. Eliminates separate 12VDC runs, which saves conduit and labor in retrofit installs.
- Operating temperature -20°C to 60°C: The lower bound covers unheated mechanical rooms and cold storage areas often used for equipment racks. The upper bound handles direct sun on glass lobbies without thermal shutdown. Critical for climates with seasonal swings or facilities without year-round HVAC in mechanical spaces.
Deployment Considerations:
- Audio-only design requires a separate video verification chain upstream — either video door stations or lobby cameras. This is a feature, not a limitation, if your architecture already segments audio (intercom) from video (surveillance). Don't force video into this unit if it doesn't exist in your system.
- Network provisioning: Confirm SIP dial-plan and ONVIF compatibility with your existing access control software before ordering. Legacy analog or serial intercom systems need a gateway — the 01698-001 won't retrofit them without additional infrastructure.
- Touchscreen usability varies with ambient light. In bright lobbies with direct sunlight, glare can reduce visibility. Position the unit away from south or west-facing windows, or plan for anti-glare screen protectors.
Position the 2N 01698-001 as your primary intercom answering unit in IP-native access control deployments — apartment buildings, office lobbies, healthcare facilities with networked security. Skip it if you're retrofitting analog intercom infrastructure or need integrated video verification at the answering station itself.
