INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Electronics amplifier. Since 1981 Kramer has been
dedicated to the development and manufacture of high quality video/audio equipment. The Kramer
line has become an integral part of many of the best production and presentation facilities around the
world. In recent years, Kramer has redesigned and upgraded most of the line, making the best even
better. Kramer’s line of professional video/audio electronics is one of the most versatile and complete
available, and is a true leader in terms of quality, workmanship, price/performance ratio and
innovation. In addition to the Kramer line of high quality amplifiers, such as the one you have just
purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality switchers, processors, interfaces, controllers
and computer-related products. This manual includes configuration, operation and information for the
following products from the Kramer VM line of distribution amplifiers. All these VM amplifiers are
similar in operation and features.
VM-1110
– 1:10 Balanced Mono or 2x5 Stereo Audio Distributor
VM-1610
– 1:10 or 2x1:5 Balanced Stereo Audio Distributor
VM-5AD
- 1:5 Balanced Mono/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Distributor
VM-80A
- 1:8 or 2x 1:4 Balanced Stereo Audio Distributor
1.1 A Word On Distribution Amplifiers
Distribution amplifiers are used to distribute one source to several acceptors for simultaneous
recording or monitoring of one source, with no discernible signal degradation. They vary in the
number of inputs, programming capability, number of outputs and operating format. A good quality
distribution amplifier amplifies the incoming signal, pre-compensates the signal for potential losses
(resulting from the use of long cables, noisy source, etc.) and generates several identical buffered and
amplified outputs. Often, a signal processor is inserted between the source and the distribution
amplifier for correction and fine-tuning of the source signal before multiplication, so that all outputs
are corrected in the same way.
1.2 Factors Affecting Quality of Results
There are many factors affecting the quality of results when signals are transmitted from a source to
an acceptor:
Connection cables - Low quality cables are susceptible to interference, they degrade signal quality
and cause elevated noise levels. They should therefore be of the best quality.
Sockets and connectors of the sources and acceptors - So often ignored, they should be of highest
quality, since "Zero Ohm" connection resistance is the target. Sockets and connectors also must
match the required impedance (75 ohms in video). Cheap, low quality connectors tend to rust, thus
causing breaks in the signal path.
Amplifying circuitry - Must have quality performance when the desired end result is high
linearity, low distortion and low noise operation.
Distance between sources and acceptors - Plays a major role in the final result. For long distances
(over 15 meters) between sources and acceptors, special measures should be taken in order to avoid
cable losses. These include using higher quality cables or adding line amplifiers.
Interference from neighboring electrical appliances - These can have an adverse effect on signal
quality. Balanced audio lines are less prone to interference, but unbalanced audio should be
installed far from any mains power cables, electric motors, transmitters, etc. even when the cables
are shielded.
