Daisy-chain speakerphones are units you link together with a cable so they work as a single audio device. The computer sees one microphone and one speaker, but pickup and sound cover a longer table than any single speakerphone can reach.
How daisy-chaining works
- One unit is the primary. It connects to the PC, laptop or video bar by USB.
- A second unit (and sometimes more) connects to the primary with a dedicated link cable.
- The primary combines all microphones, runs echo cancellation and sends one audio stream to the meeting.
- Remote voices play from every unit, so everyone hears at the same level.
Only units built for chaining can do this. Plugging two ordinary USB speakerphones into one PC gives you two separate devices, and the meeting app can use only one of each at a time.
Why it matters in meeting rooms
A single tabletop speakerphone typically covers a small table. Longer tables leave people at the ends sounding distant. Daisy-chaining:
- Extends pickup along the table without ceiling work.
- Keeps one device selected in Teams, Zoom or Meet, so there's no echo from multiple mics.
- Is cheaper and simpler than a DSP and ceiling mics for medium rooms.
The same idea applies to expansion mics for video bars. Some bars accept add-on mics that chain from the bar. See daisy-chain conference microphones.
Daisy-chain and expandable audio in our catalog
| Product | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AVer FONE540 | USB speakerphone | Expandable, daisy-chain, small/medium rooms |
| Yealink CP50 | Mic/speaker | Daisy-chainable omni mic/speaker for video rooms |
| AVer FONE700 | Ceiling speakerphone + DSP hub | Daisy-chain up to 4 |
| Poly Studio A2 Table Microphone | Table mic | 4-element daisy-chain mic, up to 8 per room |
| AVer 20m Expansion Microphone | Expansion mic | Daisy-chains from VB342 Pro and VB350 bars |
| Logitech Rally Mic Pod + Mic Pod Hub | Expansion mic | Chain or hub-and-spoke for Rally systems |
What to look for when buying
- Is chaining supported? Check the spec sheet for expansion or daisy-chain support and the maximum number of units.
- Link cable length. It sets how far apart units can sit. Plan cable routing across the table.
- Connection to the room. USB to a PC, or a link to a specific video bar.
- Platform certification for Teams or Zoom if you need it.
- Mixing brands. Daisy-chain links are proprietary. Use units from the same product family.
Common mistakes
- Chaining units placed too close together. Spread them along the table.
- Leaving laptop mics and speakers on in the same room. That causes echo. See how to reduce echo on Teams calls.
- Running link cables where people trip over them. Use table grommets or cable covers.
For choosing the base unit, read how to choose a speakerphone and best speakerphones.
Have a long table to cover? Send us its length and seat count and we'll tell you how many units it needs.
Related guides
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