Owners’ Manual

FERROFISH VERTO32, VERTO64 & VERTOMX

Professional ADAT / MADI <> Dante Converter

FERROFISH GmbH – Brüderstrasse 10, 53545 Linz am Rhein

www.FERROFISH.com

Version 2.0i
 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Safety symbols used in this manual:

This symbol alerts that there are important maintenance

and operating instructions in the literature.

This symbol warns the user of uninsulated potentially dangerous voltage inside
the unit that can cause an electric shock.

This symbol warns the user that the output connectors of the power supply
contain voltages that can cause dangerous potentially lethal shocks.

o Read these instructions

o Keep these instructions
o Heed all warnings.
o Follow all instructions.

1. Do not use this device near water.

2. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not spray liquid cleaner onto the faceplate or into the
ventilation slots. This may damage the front panel or cause a dangerous condition.
3. Only install in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.
4. Do not install or operate near heat sources as stoves, radiators or other devices that
may produce heat.
5. NEVER defeat the safety purpose of the grounding plug type. When the provided plug doesn’t
fit into the outlet, please consult a qualified electrician for further help.
6. Use power adaptors and accessories specified by the manufacturer only.
7. Protect the power cord from being pinched or walked on.
8. Unplug this device during lightning storms or when not in use for longer periods of time.
9. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel only. Servicing is required when the device has
been damaged in any way, such as when liquids have been spilled of objects have been fallen
into the device or the device has been dropped. Also, when the device does no longer work
normally or has been exposed to rain or moisture.
10. This unit generates heat when operated normally. Operate in a well-ventilated environment with
at least 1RU space between any other peripheral equipment.
11. The product in combination with headphones or other external amplifiers and speakers may
produce sound levels that could lead to a permanent hearing loss. Do not operate at higher or
uncomfortable volume levels for a longer time. If you are experiencing ringing in your ears, a loss
of high frequency sound information or other hearing loss, please contact an audiologist
immediately.
12. WARNING: To reduce the risk of an electric shock or fire, do not expose the device to rain or
moisture.
13. This power supply of this audio device may cause electronic interference to surrounding objects.
If you find that this or any surrounding unit is malfunctioning, try resetting the device, relocating
it or a install a powerline conditioner by an electrician.
14. Always use a stand, 19“ rack or table designed for the use of pro audio equipment. In a
permanent installation make sure that damage or even injury will not result from the mounting
of the device or from cables pulling on the device. When using a cart, use caution when moving
the device inside the cart to avoid injury from tipping-over.
Introduction

Dear customer,

thank you for purchasing our product. We are very pleased that you
have chosen the VERTO series from our product range. It is designed as
an easy format converter between ADAT (VERTO32 & VERTO64) or MADI
(VERTOMX) and the DANTE protocol. We have developed three
different models so that you can choose the one most suited to your
needs. The VERTO32 and VERTO64 have 32x32 and 64x64 I/O channels
respectively, for an easy integration of devices with ADAT ports. When
using MADI devices the VERTOMX is the perfect solution; offering both
optical and coaxial MADI I/O ports. All VERTO models also incorporate
MIDI I/O for updating the devices’ internal firmware. So it’s possible to
transmit 64x64 audio channels up to 2km with the Multimode MADI
module. It is even possible to bridge distances of up to 10km via glass
fiber with the optional singlemode MADI module, which can be
installed easily by the VERTOs’ owner.

We sincerely hope that you will enjoy using your VERTO as much as we
enjoyed developing it. Should you have any suggestions, praise or
criticism for us please visit us on Facebook or at www.FERROFISH.com.

Best regards from Linz on Rhine. The FERROFISH Team

Scope of Delivery
1x VERTO Converter
1x Owners’ Manual
1x Power Supply 12V
1x LC / SC Adapter Cable (VERTOMX only)
1x ADAT Cables Locking Plate including Mounting Accessories (VERTO32 only)
2x ADAT Cables Locking Plate including Mounting Accessories (VERTO64 only)
(Fitting of locking plates only guaranteed when using FERROFISH ADAT cables)
Product description:

The VERTO series serve as digital format converters for your ADAT or
MADI devices. They make the integration of existing gear into a DANTE
environment quick and easy. All essential settings are made via DANTE.
The fan-less and low heat-generating design also makes the VERTO
series perfect for installation in acoustically sensitive environments.

Front panel VERTO32 und VERTO64

LEDs and operating elements are explained as follows (left to right):

1. DANTE LED: The DANTE LED indicates the state of the DANTE
network. When the LED is lit permanently, a connection to the
DANTE network exists. A flashing LED indicates that DANTE has
muted all channels. This may have been caused by e.g.,
a missing network signal or a change of the sample rate inside
the DANTE network.
2. ADAT Inputs (VERTO 32: 1-4, VERTO 64: 1-8): These status LEDs
indicate when an ADAT input has been successfully
synchronized to the DANTE network’s word clock. These LEDs
are not input indicators. If the LED flashes, the synchronization
process has failed. If it is lit continuously, interrupted by short
flickering, both devices are set to „master / leader“.
3. Power LED: The LED lights up continuously when the device is
switched on and ready for operation. It flashes slowly when the
device is booting. If you hold down the power button, the LED
will rapidly flash to indicate the imminent shutdown of the
device.
4. Power button: This button turns the VERTO on or off. To switch
off the unit, press and hold the button for at least 3 seconds.
Front panel VERTOMX

LEDs and operating elements are explained as follows (left to right):

1. DANTE LED: The DANTE LED indicates the state of the DANTE
network. When the LED is lit permanently, a connection to the
DANTE network exists. A flashing LED indicates that DANTE has
muted all channels. This may have been caused by e.g. a missing
network signal or a change of the sample rate in the DANTE
network.
2. MADI Input (optical): This status LED is permanently lit when the
optical MADI input receives a valid signal and the VERTO has
successfully synchronized to it. It is not an input indicator for MADI
signals. If the LED flashes, the synchronization process has failed. If
it is lit continuously, interrupted by short flickering, both devices
are set to „master / leader“.
3. MADI Input (coax): This status LED is permanently lit when the
coaxial MADI input receives a valid signal and the VERTO has
successfully synchronized to it. The LED is not an input indicator for
MADI signals. If the LED flashes, the synchronization process has
failed. If the LED is lit continuously, interrupted by short flickering,
both devices are set to „master / leader“. If the LED is lit with half
brightness a valid signal is detected at both MADI inputs, but MADI
optical is used.
4. Sample rate - LEDs: These show the sample rate of the DANTE
network.
5. Power LED: The LED lights up continuously when the device is
switched on and ready for operation. It flashes slowly when the
device is booting. If you hold down the power button, the LED will
rapidly flash to indicate the imminent shutdown of the device.
6. Power button: This button turns the VERTO on or off. To switch off
the unit, press and hold the button for at least 3 seconds.

If a valid MADI signal is present on the optical and the coaxial port at the same
time, the optical port is automatically being used for conversion to DANTE.
If you want to use the coaxial MADI input please remove the optical MADI cable.

Rear plate VERTO32 und VERTO64

Connections of the VERTO32 & VERTO64 explained as follows (left to right):

1. Power supply: Connect the power supply here and lock it with the
coupling nut. Thus, the plug cannot slip out unintentionally.

2. ADAT I/Os: Connect your ADAT devices using optical Toslink cables.
The black flaps are ADAT inputs, the white flaps are outputs. Use
the included locking plates to avoid unintentional slip out of the
Toslink connectors.

3. MIDI I/O: These ports let you update the device’ firmware.

4. WORDCLOCK I/O: Transmit or receive word clock to or from the

VERTO using these connectors. We recommend setting the
connected devices to “slave / follower“.

5. DANTE (PRI/SEC): Use this port to connect the unit to a DANTE

network. Use a commercially available Ethernet cable (at least
CAT5 or better) and connect it to the PRI (primary) port. Use the
SEC port for a redundant network. For more information about
redundant operation please visit: www.audinate.com
Rear plate VERTOMX

The connections of the VERTOMX are explained as follows (left to right):

1. Power supply: Connect the power supply here and lock it with the
coupling nut. Thus, the plug cannot slip out unintentionally.

2. MADI I/O (coaxial): Use these connectors for devices with coaxial
BNC MADI.

3. MADI I/O (optical): Connect your optical fiber MADI equipment to

these ports. Depending on the specification of your MADI
equipment, this can be done either directly at the device via the LC
connector or via the included SC-LC adaptor.

If a valid MADI signal is present on the optical and the coaxial port at the
same time, the optical port is automatically being used for conversion to
DANTE. If you want to use the coaxial MADI input please remove the optical
MADI cable.

4. MIDI I/O: These ports let you update the device’ firmware.

5. WORDCLOCK I/O: Transmit word clock to or from the VERTO using

these connectors. We recommend setting connected devices to
„slave / follower“.

6. DANTE (PRI/SEC): Use this port to connect the unit to a DANTE

network. Use a regular Ethernet cable (at least CAT5 or better) and
connect it to the PRI (primary) port. Use the SEC port for a
redundant network. For more information about redundant
operation please visit: www.audinate.com
Clocking (IMPORTANT!)

Generally, in a network of DANTE devices, at least one of them should

be set to „master / leader“. Therefore set all devices connected to the
BNC/Wordclock port of the VERTO should be set to „slave / follower“.
If there are several DANTE devices connected to a network, then set
your preferred device to „Preferred Master“ inside Dante Controller.

In some cases the DANTE network may need to be set to "slave /

follower". In this case, uncheck "Preferred Master" on the VERTO in
the Dante controller and check "enable sync to external". Then feed a
word clock signal to the VERTO via the BNC IN connector. The word
clock signal must be very accurate in this case, otherwise drop-outs
and clicks may occur.

Please note that the VERTO cannot generate a word clock signal from
a MADI or ADAT audio stream. Connecting devices that can only run
as wordclock master and not providing any wordclock output cannot
be connected to a VERTO.

Operation

Operating the VERTO series is simple. Connect the included power

supply to the corresponding connector on the back of the VERTO.
Connect the ADAT (VERTO32 and 64) or MADI (VERTOMX) devices to their
respective ports on the back panel. Lastly, connect an Ethernet cable
(at least CAT5 or better) to an existing DANTE network or to a
computer with Dante Virtual Soundcard (DVS) installed (for example)
and the free Dante Controller application from Audinate.

All settings (I/O routing, bit depth, sample rate etc.) of the VERTO are
being set at the Dante Controller application from Audinate. To
download Dante Controller please visit: www.audinate.com
Technical specifications
DANTE I/O: 2x Ethernet jacks (PRI/SEC), 1GBit
64x64 channel Brooklyn Series Board built-in
ADAT I/O: 4x4 optical Toslink ADAT Ports (VERTO32)
32
(VERTO & 32x32 channels at 48kHz, 16x16 channels at 96kHz
VERTO64 only) 8x8 optical Toslink ADAT Ports (VERTO64)
64x64 channels at 48kHz, 32x32 channels at 96kHz
MADI I/O: SFP Slot for single- or multimode MADI SFP-module, 2x BNC MADI
(AES10) Multimode module installed by default, long frame (64Ch) output
(VERTOMX) 64x64 channels at 44.1kHz to 48kHz
32x32 channels at 88.2kHz to 96kHz
16x16 channels at 176.4kHz to 192kHz

Wordclock: 2 x BNC In / Out, male

75 Ohm input termination enabled by default
MIDI I/O: MIDI Standard 1.0 / 1996
2 x DIN 5pin jacks In / Out
Fuse: Polyfuse, internal, self-resetting

Power Req.: 14.4VA (1.2A at 12V DC)

Operat. Temp: +5°C to +45°C
Humidity: <75%, non-condensing
Dimensions: 22 x 09 x 4,5 cm (without rack-mounts)
Weight: 0,9kg
Troubleshooting
Error Possible cause Troubleshooting
POWER LED does not light up. Power supply not plugged in or Check the power supply.
defective.
Switch on the device with the
The device is switched off.
power button.
POWER LED flashes quickly. POWER button pressed. The POWER LED flashes quickly
when the power button is
(POWER LED flashing quickly pressed on a switched-on
indicated a shutdown of the device.
unit in the next seconds.)

POWER LED flashes slowly. POWER button pressed. A slowly flashing POWER LED
indicates that the VERTO is
booting. Wait approx. 20s for
the boot-up-sequence to finish.
DANTE LED does not light up. Mains cable defective or the Use a different network cable.
(see Power LED) wrong type (crossed) is used.

VERTO is booting. Wait approximately 20s until

the boot process is finished.

Error inside the Dante network. Check the function of the Dante
network.

DANTE LED is flashing. No connection to the Dante Check the function of the Dante
network. network.

Device is set to „Slave / Set one device of the Dante

Follower”, but no „Master / Network to „Master / Leader“.
Leader“ device was found on
the Dante Network.
While changing sample rate,
Sample rate on the network has the outputs are being muted for
been changed. a short time. This is normal.
MADI coaxial LED lights low. Both ports (opto & coax) Both signals are valid, but the
receive a valid signal. optical port is automatically
used for DANTE.
This is a status indication, not
an error.

ADAT Input LED flashes. The sync process between Set all connected ADAT devices
ADAT and Dante has failed. to „Slave / Follower“.
ADAT Input LED is lit constantly, Both devices of the digital Set all connected ADAT devices
regularly interrupted by regular networks are set to „Master / to „Slave / Follower“.
flickering. Leader“.
CE conformity

EMC
This device fully complies to all harmonized standards for the
approximation of laws of the member states for the electromechanical
compatibility (EMC:2014/30/EU) and European Low Voltage Directive
2014/35/EU.

RoHS
This device has been produced with lead free solder according to the
EU directive 2011/65/EU and therein contained maximum permissible
values for hazardous substances found in electronic devices.

FCC Declaration
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

Responsible Party in the USA: SYNTHAX United States, 6600 NW 16th

Street, Suite 10, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33313 T.:754.206.4220
Trade Name: FERROFISH, Model Numbers: VERTO.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WARNING: Any modifications or other changes to this unit not

approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment.

Note on Waste Disposal (WEEE)

According to common law of the EU states directive
RL2002/96/EG (WEEE – Directive on Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment) this product must be recycled after
final use and/or end of its lifetime. In case a disposal of
electronic waste is not possible, the recycling can also be
done by the manufacturer. For this the device has to be sent free to
the door to: FERROFISH GmbH, Brüderstraße 10, 53545 D-Linz / Rhein.
Any un-prepaid shipping will be rejected and returned on the senders’
costs.

Service
No serviceable parts inside. Do not open this device.
Legal information

Limited Warranty
Every VERTO is thoroughly checked and tested. FERROFISH grants a
limited warranty of two years after purchase thru an authorized dealer
or distributor. The invoice is needed as a proof-of-purchase.
In case of a permanent malfunction or any other defect under this
limited warranty that can’t be fixed by support, please contact your
dealer and inquire a repair under warranty.
Damages caused by improper installation or inappropriate usage are
not covered by this limited warranty. Fixing these damages will be
liable to pay costs.
Claim for damages of any kind, in particular consequential damage or
loss are not covered. A liability exceeding the merchandise value of an
VERTO is also not covered. We refer to the general terms and
conditions of FERROFISH GmbH.

Disclaimer of liability
This documentation has been created to the best of knowledge and
belief on the current state of technology. FERROFISH assumes no
responsibility either expressed or implied for the accuracy,
completeness and correctness of this documentation.
In no event FERROFISH GmbH will be liable for any kind of data loss or
data error caused thru the use of our product or documentation.
In particular FERROFISH GmbH excludes liability upon consequential
damage caused by the use of this product or the documentation.
Trademarks and Copyrights
All trademarks used in this manual are property of their respective
owners and are used for descriptive purpose only. This also applies to
text passages, where appropriate copyright marks or trademarks are
missing.
Although the contents of this users’ guide have been checked for
errors, FERROFISH cannot guarantee that it is correct. FERROFISH does
not accept responsibility for any misleading or incorrect information
within this manual.
Copying any part of the manual or any commercial exploitation of
these media without prior permission from FERROFISH is strictly
prohibited.
FERROFISH reserves the right to change specifications at any time
without prior notice. Product and documentation are subject to the
terms and conditions of FERROFISH GmbH at the latest state.

Thank you for reading this manual completely. We are very pleased.
Goodbye and “thanks for the fish” – your team from FERROFISH.
Notes:
 www.FERROFISH.com
info@FERROFISH.com
All rights reserved. © 2022 FERROFISH GmbH, Version 2.0i
Written by: Jürgen Kindermann and Jan Gerhard