Speco Technologies CAMMICW Weather Resistant Line Level Microphon

Speco Technologies CAMMICW Weather-Resistant Line Level Microphone

Overview

The Speco Technologies CAMMICW is a weather-resistant line level microphone designed for outdoor and indoor surveillance audio integration. Constructed from aluminum alloy, the CAMMICW delivers reliable audio pickup in rooms up to 120 square feet with integrated signal processing and protection circuitry. This microphone is engineered for security integrators and installers requiring dependable audio capture in mixed deployment environments without requiring external weatherproofing enclosures.

Key Features

• Aluminum Alloy Construction: Weather-resistant housing rated for outdoor use with durable silver-finish aluminum alloy exterior
• Audio Pickup Range: Covers indoor spaces up to 120 square feet with consistent sensitivity of -43dB @ 1000 Hz
• Built-in AGC Processing: Automatic gain control circuit prevents signal distortion across dynamic audio levels
• High-Speed Voice Processing: Integrated pre-amplification and voice processing circuits optimize speech clarity for surveillance applications
• Integrated Lightning Protection: Built-in surge protection, reverse polarity protection, and power protection module safeguard against electrical faults
• Extended Transmission Distance: 25-foot recommended transmission distance; optional UTPAUDIO accessory extends distance up to one mile over CAT5E UTP cable
• Compact Footprint: 3-inch diameter × 1-inch height (75mm × 25mm) allows discrete mounting in ceiling or wall installations
• Low Power Consumption: Operates on 9–12 VDC at 25mA maximum current draw; PSW5 power supply recommended
• NDAA Compliant: Products comply with NDAA Section 889 Part B guidelines for government and institutional procurement
• 2-Year Warranty: Standard manufacturer warranty covers defects and hardware failures

Technical Specifications

The CAMMICW operates on 9–12 VDC at a maximum current draw of 25mA and requires an external power supply (not included). The microphone delivers a signal-to-noise ratio maximum of 65dB with sensitivity of -43dB @ 1000 Hz, making it suitable for speech-focused surveillance. Audio connection uses a three-wire configuration: red (power), black (ground and signal return), and white (audio signal output). The microphone's range specification of 10–120 square feet accommodates typical commercial interior spaces and hallways.

Power Supply and Integration

The CAMMICW requires external power and does not draw power from camera circuits or PoE sources. Speco recommends the PSW5 12VDC power supply for standard installations. For extended transmission distances beyond the standard 25-foot range, integrators can deploy the optional UTPAUDIO accessory, which transmits audio up to one mile over standard CAT5E UTP cabling—enabling centralized audio routing in larger facility deployments without individual power supplies at each microphone location.

Deployment Considerations

The aluminum alloy construction provides sufficient weather resistance for covered outdoor mounting (eaves, soffits, protected overhangs) and standard indoor applications. The compact 3-inch diameter and low-profile 1-inch height minimize visual presence in ceiling or soffit installations. The integrated protection circuitry—including lightning, reverse polarity, and power protection—reduces field failures from power surges and wiring errors common in distributed audio systems. Audio output is line-level, compatible with most recorder audio inputs and IP audio I/O modules.

Ted Perry

I've evaluated the CAMMICW in several distributed audio deployments, and its aluminum construction and protection circuitry deliver solid reliability in mixed indoor/outdoor environments. The compact form factor and integrated voice processing make it straightforward to integrate into existing camera systems without requiring separate audio processing modules.

Technical Highlights:

• Weather-Resistant Housing: Aluminum alloy construction rated for outdoor use eliminates the need for external weatherproof enclosures in covered mounting locations
• Integrated Protection Circuitry: Built-in lightning protection, reverse polarity protection, and power protection module reduce field failures and simplify installation in distributed systems
• AGC Processing: Automatic gain control prevents distortion across variable audio levels, important for surveillance audio where source levels can fluctuate
• Extended Transmission Option: UTPAUDIO accessory enables mile-range transmission over CAT5E, allowing centralized audio routing in large facilities without individual power supplies at each pickup point

Deployment Considerations:

• Requires external 9–12 VDC power supply; PSW5 is the manufacturer recommendation—factor power supply cost into project budgets
• 120 sq ft coverage is effective for hallways and small meeting spaces; verify pickup range against your specific deployment space geometry before order
• Aluminum alloy is weather-resistant but not rated for direct weather exposure; mount in covered eaves, soffits, or protected overhangs to maximize service life
• Three-wire audio connection (red/black/white) is simple to integrate but requires proper polarity during installation; the integrated reverse polarity protection prevents damage from wiring errors

For integrators managing multi-site deployments with distributed audio requirements, the CAMMICW offers proven reliability and straightforward integration at a competitive price point. The optional UTPAUDIO accessory is worth evaluating if you're centralizing audio infrastructure across larger facilities.