Unbalanced to balanced noise reduction

[nrand]

Hypothetically, if I have a effects unit that has unbalanced outputs that make it a bit noisy, I think I understand that by means of some kind of transformer I can convert the outputs to balanced and eliminate most of the noise..
Is this true? The unit would be sitting in my effects/auxilliary on my mixer before recording into my computer.
Is this correct?
What should I get?

[JohnRoberts]

It depends on the type of noise. A transformer won't improve hiss, it may reduce hum and buzz..

JR

[nrand]

Originally Posted by JohnRoberts

It depends on the type of noise. A transformer won't improve hiss, it may reduce hum and buzz..

JR

I have read somewhere that something like an 'Aphex Box' can do the conversion - am I confusing this with a transformer?
another mention I have seen is the 1:1 transformers from Sowter or Jensen purported to clean up signals that are inherently noisy such as in some older signal processors.

[Matt Syson]

Hi
You have to define 'noise' for a 'cure to this.
If it is HUM or BUZZING which is attributable to poor wiring discipline and the fact it is unbalanced, then a transformer COULD be an answer. If it is 'HISS' or other artifacts from the unit then it is the unit that needs attention. Adding a powered 'balancing box' of any description EXTERNAL to your gear is possibly adding another chance to get the grounding wrong and in any caser will not address any HISS.
Johns answerr was more succinct.
Matt S

[enginefire]

if it were humming and buzzing, would it need a 600/600 transformer or some kind of high impedance to low impedance transformer? or, would it depend on what it is connecting to?

[JohnRoberts]

Originally Posted by nrand

I have read somewhere that something like an 'Aphex Box' can do the conversion - am I confusing this with a transformer?
another mention I have seen is the 1:1 transformers from Sowter or Jensen purported to clean up signals that are inherently noisy such as in some older signal processors.

You still haven't bothered to answer the basic question, "Hiss" or "hum/buzz".

An active differential circuit, with 3 conductor wiring, can separate the shield/ground wire, from the audio low reference and clean up the interface, often cheaper than a transformer, while the transformer can completely isolate the grounds making it easier to interface.

Neither will reduce hiss...

JR

[nrand]

Originally Posted by JohnRoberts

You still haven't bothered to answer the basic question, "Hiss" or "hum/buzz".

An active differential circuit, with 3 conductor wiring, can separate the shield/ground wire, from the audio low reference and clean up the interface, often cheaper than a transformer, while the transformer can completely isolate the grounds making it easier to interface.

Neither will reduce hiss...

JR

I thought I had, sorry.. I was looking at comments on a potential FX units to buy, and during my searching for info about the Dynacord DRP 20 I came across thethrilfactors comments here:

******//www.gearslutz.com/board/so-mu...ord-drp20.html

This is where my question came from.

I did not go into more specifics in case I wanted to pull the trigger on a hard to find unit for sale, but in the end I decided it was too noisy and I am considering other options. I really like the potential of the long reverbs on this one though.

I am guessing noise floor, also mentioned elsewhere relates to inherent hiss., Yes?