> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.verkada.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.verkada.com/new-alarms/configuration/set-up-the-bz11-horn-speaker.md).

# Set Up the BZ11 Horn Speaker

{% hint style="success" %}
This article is a guide for new Alarms. Refer to this [article](/classic-alarms/configuration/set-up-the-bz11-horn-speaker-with-classic-alarms.md) if you have classic Alarms. See [New Alarms vs Classic Alarms](/new-alarms/getting-started/new-alarms-vs-classic-alarms.md) if you are unsure which version of Alarms you have.
{% endhint %}

***

You can use the Verkada [BZ11 horn speaker](https://docs.verkada.com/docs/horn-speaker-bz11-datasheet.pdf) with and without Verkada cameras, and it can also be paired with an Alarms license to provide advanced functionality, including [agent talk down](/classic-alarms/configuration/set-up-the-bz11-horn-speaker-with-classic-alarms.md).

As a standalone device, you can use it from the **Devices** page to initiate a call from Verkada Command to the speaker. When associated with a Verkada camera, you can use the camera to provide the Command user with the necessary context for the talk-down.

Admins can configure custom audio files to play through the speaker when an alarm is raised. You can also enable Agent Talk Down, allowing Verkada’s video monitoring agents to respond to threats and live talk-down through the speaker to deter intruders.

***

## Initiate call from Devices page

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Devices.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Select your horn speaker.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Click Play to play a short test sound.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Click Phone to initiate the call.**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
You can adjust the volume and microphone settings using the sliders and check box under the speaker settings.
{% endhint %}

***

## Initiate call from camera live stream

You need to associate a camera with the speaker before you can initiate a talk down from a camera.

### Pair cameras

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Devices.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Select your horn speaker.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Under the speaking settings, click Select Cameras.**

a. Select the camera(s) to add.\
b. Click **Done.**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Initial call

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Devices.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Select your horn speaker.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Select your camera from the Paired Cameras list.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**At the bottom right of the live feed, click to initiate the call.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**(Optional) If multiple speaker devices are configured for the same camera, click to select the specific device you want to call.**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Enable the speaker as an Alarms output

By default, Talkdown by agent is enabled if the speaker is paired with a camera that is added as a camera trigger.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**In Command, go to All Products > Alarms.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Select the Alarm site that you want to configure.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**On the left navigation, select Response > Talkdown by agent.**

**Note:** Agent talkdown is only available in **Standard** response mode.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
The camera associated with the speaker must be configured as a trigger for the camera partition within an Alarm site before agents can use the speaker.
{% endhint %}


---

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