Axis 01560-001 T8351 Mk II 3.5mm Omnidirectional Microphone
Overview
The Axis 01560-001 is a rugged omnidirectional microphone designed to extend Axis IP camera deployments with synchronized audio capture. Built for surveillance integrators and facility engineers who need reliable sound monitoring alongside video recording, this compact unit connects via standard 3.5mm jack to any compatible Axis network camera. The sealed, dust and water-resistant design handles outdoor, industrial, and high-moisture environments without degrading audio quality — a practical advantage when deploying microphones in loading docks, warehouses, or perimeter zones where weather exposure is unavoidable.
Key Features
- Omnidirectional Audio Pickup: Captures sound from all directions simultaneously. This matters for open floor plans, parking structures, and entry vestibules where threats or incidents can originate from any angle — you won't miss critical audio because the microphone faced the wrong way.
- 3.5mm Standard Connector: Direct plug compatibility with all Axis network cameras and encoders featuring 3.5mm microphone input jacks. No adapters, no USB bridges — reduces installation time and eliminates single points of failure in the audio chain.
- Dust and Water-Resistant Casing: Sealed construction withstands dust, moisture, rain, and salt spray. IP66 environmental rating means direct spray and dust won't penetrate the unit, so you can mount the 01560-001 outdoors or in washdown areas (retail refrigerated sections, vehicle bays, chemical storage) without early failure.
- Compact Form Factor: Small profile minimizes visual clutter and reduces wind noise pickup in outdoor applications compared to larger, more exposed microphone designs.
- Accessory Kit Included: Mounting hardware supports flexible placement — wall, ceiling, or pole mount configurations depending on your facility layout and sound coverage goals.
- No Separate Power Required: Audio-only signal path means no additional power supply, PoE power draw, or switch configuration. The host Axis camera provides any required bias voltage through the 3.5mm jack.
Integration & Compatibility
The 01560-001 integrates with any Axis network video recorder or camera featuring a 3.5mm microphone input. Audio streams are encoded alongside video by the parent Axis device, so your VMS platform receives synchronized audio and video as a single stream. This eliminates the common problem of audio and video drifting out of sync during playback — both feeds lock to the same timestamp on the recording appliance.
The microphone's omnidirectional characteristic means audio gain and sensitivity depend on mounting location and distance from sound sources. Position the 01560-001 centrally in the coverage area to maximize clarity; mounting it in a corner or against a hard reflective surface (concrete wall, metal door frame) will emphasize bass and room reverberation.
Deployment Scenarios
This microphone suits retail surveillance (capturing transaction disputes, customer incidents), office and warehouse monitoring (documenting equipment damage or safety violations), perimeter security (detecting unauthorized activity by sound as well as motion), and public safety installations where synchronized video and audio strengthens incident documentation and legal defensibility. Integrate it with IP surveillance cameras in any facility where audio corroboration of video evidence matters.
When to Choose a Different Model
If you need directional audio (isolating sound from one direction and rejecting ambient noise), look for a cardioid or hypercardioid microphone variant in the Axis microphone family. If your installation spans long cable runs (over 50 feet) or requires XLR-balanced audio connections, consider an Axis microphone module with integrated preamp and XLR output. For applications demanding higher SPL handling (industrial loud machinery, concert venues) or specialized frequency response, consult Axis audio product specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Axis 01560-001 compatible with non-Axis cameras?
A: No. The 01560-001 is designed for Axis devices with 3.5mm microphone input jacks. Third-party cameras with different connector types (USB, Phoenix, XLR) will require a different microphone model or adapter.
Q: Can I use the 01560-001 outdoors year-round?
A: Yes. The dust and water-resistant casing is rated for outdoor exposure including rain and salt spray. Verify mounting hardware is corrosion-resistant and the microphone is positioned to drain water rather than pool it at the connector.
Q: Does the omnidirectional pattern mean it picks up wind noise?
A: Omnidirectional microphones are inherently sensitive to wind turbulence due to their open design. If wind noise is problematic, deploy a windscreen foam or mesh cover over the microphone, or relocate the unit to a sheltered mounting position.
Q: What cable length should I use between the 01560-001 and the camera?
A: Standard 3.5mm audio cable runs up to 20–30 feet without significant signal loss. Beyond that distance, consider a preamplifier or dedicated Axis audio module to maintain clean audio levels into the host camera.
Q: Is firmware or driver installation required?
A: No. The 01560-001 is a passive audio transducer. Simply connect the 3.5mm plug to the camera's microphone jack, configure audio input settings in the camera's web interface, and audio recording begins immediately.
Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple 01560-001 microphones to a single camera?
A: No. Most Axis cameras have a single 3.5mm microphone input. To capture audio from multiple zones, deploy separate microphones connected to separate cameras, then synchronize audio and video in your VMS during playback.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Axis 01560-001 is a straightforward, reliable companion to Axis surveillance cameras in mixed audio-visual deployments. Its omnidirectional pickup and dust-water-resistant design handle real-world facility environments, though placement discipline matters — this is a general-purpose microphone, not a specialized tool for isolating specific sound sources or rejecting ambient noise.
Technical Highlights:
- Omnidirectional Polar Pattern: 360-degree pickup sensitivity means full spatial coverage without blind spots. Trade-off: you capture every sound in the room — HVAC hum, keyboard clatter, background conversation — so audio normalization and noise gating in your VMS are essential for clean playback.
- 3.5mm Connectivity: Direct camera integration via standard jack eliminates adapter complexity and reduces cabling errors. This also means no independent power draw on your PoE budget — a real advantage when managing switch power constraints across dozens of cameras.
- IP66 Sealed Housing: Dust and water resistance opens outdoor and washdown-area deployment. Verify drainage around the connector — pooled water can eventually seep into the electronics, especially on horizontal mounting surfaces exposed to rain.
Deployment Considerations:
- Mounting location is critical. Center the microphone in the coverage area rather than mounting it at a perimeter or corner — asymmetric placement will color the audio capture (emphasizing bass, introducing phase issues) and reduce effective coverage radius.
- Cable length and shielding: Standard 3.5mm audio cables work, but longer runs (30+ feet) may introduce hum or noise if the cable passes near AC power lines. Use shielded audio cable and route away from power distribution.
Deploy the 01560-001 in retail, warehouse, or office surveillance where you need synchronized audio and video as evidence, and where omnidirectional pickup is acceptable (or preferable because directional isolation isn't a requirement). Pair it with Axis network cameras in multi-zone surveillance systems where VMS synchronization provides single-stream playback of aligned audio and video — this is where the 01560-001 delivers real value.
