How to Use HDMI and SDI Audio Embedding and De-Embedding in Broadcast Workflows

Most broadcast systems these days will be utilizing a mix of SDI and HDMI for video signals that will also be transmitting audio. Audio embedding and de-embedding allows you to be able to insert or extract the audio from these signals which opens doors for mixing or distributing those signals independently. Thanks to that some of our most popular products are going to include audio de-embedding and some even audio matricing so let’s talk about how it works and how to avoid some common issues!

What Audio Embedding and De-Embedding Mean

Embedding

It’s pretty simple! This is just taking audio and inserting it into an HDMI or SDI feed so that both the video and audio are sent through the same cable. 

De-Embedding

So naturally this does the exact opposite! This is the process of extracting the audio from the cable which can then be sent to mixers, speakers or recording devices. 

When pieced together these two can help cut down on cabling and also make your joh a lot easier.

Why Embedding Is Useful

Embedding audio can be helpful if:

• You want audio and video to travel together to a switcher
• Your camera lacks built-in audio capture
• You use an external audio mixer and need everything combined downstream
• You want simplified long-cable workflows (especially with SDI)

SDI is an industry standard precisely because it’s reliable for long cable runs and is very robust.

When to De-Embed Audio

Extracting audio is helpful when you want to:

• Feed audio to monitors or PA speakers
• Separate recording of audio and video
• Independent audio mixing
• Audio troubleshooting separate from video
• DSP or processing not available in the main signal path

De-embedding lets you independently route audio without interrupting the rest of the signal.

How to Embed Audio into HDMI or SDI

Most embedding is going to be done using:

• External SDI/HDMI audio embedders
• Cameras with audio inputs
• Video switchers with embed settings
• PTZ cameras that embed incoming analog audio

Steps to Embed:

1. Connect audio from your mixer into the embedder or device input.
2. Choose the correct input level (mic or line).
3. Route the HDMI or SDI output to your switcher or encoder.
4. Verify that the device recognizes embedded audio.
5. Monitor levels at the final output.

It’s important to remember to avoid clipping (making sure the audio levels aren’t peaking), since embedded distortion cannot be corrected downstream.

How to De-Embed Audio from HDMI or SDI

Use either:

• Dedicated de-embedder modules
• Switchers with built-in extraction
• Monitors or converters with audio outputs

Steps to De-Embed:

1. Feed the HDMI/SDI source into the de-embedder.
2. Connect audio outputs to a mixer, speakers, or recorder.
3. Match formats (balanced vs unbalanced).
4. Confirm correct channel routing.
5. Monitor for delay or phase issues if combining with other sources.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Incorrect Input Level

If you feed line-level audio into a mic-level input it will cause distortion. Match your audio levels carefully.

Channel Mapping Errors

It’s important to make sure that the audio is being sent where you want it! Double check the device's settings!

Lip-Sync Delay

Sometimes weirdness can happen with syncing, if this is the case then try to apply some sort of audio delay if necessary, but lucky for you we have another article here to tackle this exact issue!

Ground Loop Noise

Due to difference in power signals, sometimes you might see (well actually hear) some ground loop noise in the audio. The simplest way to tackle this is to use balanced cables, but we’ve gone over this issue here!

Best Practices

• Use SDI for reliable long-distance audio/video transport.
• Keep audio balanced from the mixer to the embedder.
• Avoid unnecessary adapters that can introduce noise.
• Monitor both embedded and de-embedded audio regularly.
• Test the signal path before going live.

Conclusion

Because audio embedding and de-embedding are essential to the modern AV landscape, making sure that it works well is a pretty big deal. Hopefully you’re now well equipped to achieve a clean and professional setup but if you’re still running into issues don’t hesitate to get in contact with our team!