You can definitely simplify that setup, but it depends a lot on which Cisco codec model you’re using and whether it supports Dante natively or through external hardware. In many conference room installs, people use a DSP/mixer (like Q-SYS, Biamp, or Shure IntelliMix) as the central audio hub, then send a mixed feed into the Cisco codec rather than trying to route every mic directly.
For 8 channels, a DSP is usually the cleanest approach because it also gives you echo cancellation, automixing, gain control, and easier troubleshooting. Dante can work really well in these environments, but sometimes you still need a Dante-to-analog or Dante-to-USB bridge depending on the Cisco hardware capabilities.
Also worth planning your gain structure carefully early on — a lot of conference room headaches end up being common mic issues like noisy inputs, low signal levels, feedback, or mismatched routing rather than the actual codec integration itself.
