Electric Voice Phenomena, referred to as EVP, continues to grow in popularity. It is one of the most prominent tools used by ghost hunters and paranormal investigators to capture ethereal voices and sounds.
Although there are theories that recorders are merely picking up stray radio or television signals, or that the resulting anomalous sounds are not truly voices, but a kind of auditory pareidolia-random things perceived falsely as having meaningful patterns-the truth is that some of the best EVP examples are absolutely convincing. The phenomenon, although it has been around since the invention of recording itself, remains unexplained.
If you would like to try your hand at capturing EVPs, you’re in luck-it couldn’t be easier. Forget all the ghost hunting equipment you’ve seen on the popular television shows, too-all you really need are some items you probably already have. If not, the necessary equipment is not expensive.
Below are the items you’ll need, instructions, and finally, some considerations and tips.
Equipment to record EVP
Digital voice recorder or portable cassette recorder w/ external microphone
Watch
Headphones
Journal
Computer (if using a digital recorder. Even so, this is optional, but it is somewhat easier for playback and isolation of sounds.)
Instructions for recording EVP
1. Prepare at the location.
At your selected EVP-gathering destination, spend two or three minutes being silent and still. Take notice of any ongoing background noises that may be present: dogs barking, trains, lawnmowers, leaves rustling, traffic noises, etc.
2. Record a preamble.
When you feel ready, turn on the recorder and, speaking into the microphone, note the date, time, and place. Also state all of the ongoing background noises you noted, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Keep these audio notes very brief and to the point.
3. Record the EVPs in 5-10 minute increments. Ask questions, remain silent, repeat.
It’s time to proceed with the gist of the EVP recording. Record in about five to ten minute increments, staying still, without walking, talking (other than asking the questions) or making any noises. If you do happen to make a noise, such as laughing or sneezing, state that into the microphone, so it doesn’t appear as an anomaly.
The same goes for any other background noises that may occur, that you haven’t already noted. Start by asking a question; remain absolutely silent for 20-30 seconds. Ask another question, waiting the 20-30 seconds again, and continue in this manner for the five to ten minutes.
4. Continue recording in increments until you have completed a full EVP session.
Turn the recorder off and move to another location. Resist the urge to listen for EVPs you may have gotten during the first increment. Repeat the procedure as described above in step 3. Continue this process of moving and recording until you feel you have enough material to constitute a full EVP session.
I suggest having between 30 and 60 minutes of recorded material altogether. Although this doesn’t sound like much, it will be plenty. The process of listening to the EVP can be painstaking and time consuming, especially if you find a lot of anomalous sounds.
30 to 60 minutes is enough time to very likely yield at least a couple good EVP, but not too long to have to sit through to find them. The worst thing that could happen is that you find an hour’s worth of tape teeming with EVP voices-and that’s rather the whole point!
5. Playback the recording, listen for EVP sounds using headphones.
If you are able to transfer the audio file to the computer for playback, do so. As you listen, it is important to wear headphones-they block out ambient noise, and it just works better. As you listen, take notes with pen and paper. Make sure you keep an organized written record of the EVP session, either detailed, or just with basic dates, places, and of course, results.
When you come across something anomalous, note the exact time on the recording, and write down what you think is being said, or what type of noise it is. You may rewind a couple times at this point, but don’t get hung up on any one thing, no matter how intriguing-it will always be there to investigate fully later.
When you are finished with the entire recording of the EVP session, you will likely have several sounds to go back and investigate further. I will state again that it’s very important to take note of the exact time (that is displayed on the recording device,) for easy navigation. With so much silence, and so few sound markers, it’s easy to lose track of where you heard something.
Another thing to consider is having another person, or several even, listen to the results as well, making an independent evaluation. Compare results for a more objective review. Finally, make sure you save your results on your computer, or otherwise catalogue and archive the tape!
Considerations and tips
Don’t obsess over finding a completely quiet place. Some background noise is actually beneficial-it is thought that white noise may be manipulated somehow by intelligences, to form voices or sounds. Just make sure it’s not jarring, or unpleasant. The rustling of trees on a windy day, rain, distant traffic or city noise, is all desirable.
Of course, for safety reasons, it is best to have a companion. If you go with one or more people, just make certain they understand the protocols you’re going to use, and stick with them. It’s easy to get chatty and unfocused, though, so make sure the people you choose to accompany you are not going to a hindrance.
Choosing a location shouldn’t be difficult. You can even try it in your own house! However, if you have a belief system that includes demons, negative entity energies, “lower elementals”, or anything like this, you should think about choosing a place to which you have no attachments. In no way do I think these types of things will be showing up on your recordings (or that they even exist!) but finding an ominous voice in your house may lead you to conclusions that aren’t warranted.
Many people choose to record in cemeteries, the idea being there is somewhat of a captive audience present. Some even choose to use information on the stones to pose the EVP questions. Other venues might be empty parking lots, abandoned buildings (with permission, of course) nature areas, or empty parks.
Speaking of questions, what should you ask? Keep it simple. Questions could include: Is there anyone present? What is your name? How are you? How do you feel? Where do you live? Above all, keep things benign, friendly, and respectful. Some of the ghost hunting shows have people challenging the ghosts, mocking, and provoking. This is just silly, and unnecessary.
A couple last things to note: some investigators suggest not mentioning death. Of course, it’s a big assumption in EVP is that the voices originate from dead folk. However, this is a generally accepted notion, and it is thought that some of the spirits may not be aware they have died.
Also, remember that EVPs are not audible as they are being recorded–only upon playback. So, don’t get discouraged during the recording phase if you are not hearing anything; be patient. Chances are very high that you will end up with some EVPs. Whatever the source and explanation of EVP-whether it’s paranormal or mundane-it is a fairly reliable way to capture anomalous sounds and voices for investigation.
That’s it! Good luck capturing EVPs!
Reference:
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/445831/exclusive_complete_translation_of_the.html?c
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/445799/exclusive_complete_translation_of_the.html?c
