E.V.P

From Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

Electronic voice phenomena (EVP) are anomalous voice or voice-like sounds captured on a variety of recorded media. Typically they are brief, the length of a word or short phrase, though longer examples are not unknown. As with other paranormal phenomena, EVP and the principles behind it are disputed and attempts to replicate it under laboratory conditions have so far been unsuccessful. Results of various EVP experiments have been published, but no literature supporting the phenomena has appeared in mainstream peer review scientific journals.

The history of EVP research is a subject on it's own, so I will cover it elsewhere!

Basic equipment needed:

Tape/Audio Recorder

It is best to use an external microphone with a tape recorder, as the internal microphone tends to pick up on the noise from the internal mechanism, making it even harder to try and hear anything recorded on the tape! It is also best to use a cassette tape deck with mechanical controls that allow easy, repeated review of the noises, it is also helpful to have a counter so you can take note of where on the tape the noise is (making it easier to find and share with other people).

Digital Voice Recorders are a popular choice, but they are best used with a computer to analyse and store the recordings, requiring additional software.

Microphone—An external microphone is a good investment, so spending on a good quality one is worth it. There are many different types I personally use a boundary microphone with picks up sound from 360°, although I also have standard uni-directional one for interviewing.

Headphones—Since the EVP voices frequently are not loud; many voices will be missed unless headphones are used. The earmuff type, which completely covers the ear, is usually used.

Tape—Any low noise, high sensitivity tape may be used, depending of course on the type of recorder used. 60-minute tapes (30 minutes each side) are recommended.

Speaker—A separate speaker is not necessary but is good to have. With the speaker, everyone in the room can hear.

There are many different views on how to go about trying to capture EVP, for example you could just leave your recorder somewhere and see what you get. Or you can ask out, i.e. ask if there is anybody there, name etc, remember to leave pauses where you hope ‘something’ answers! There are also people who suggest writing down questions you are going to ask the day before and leave the piece of paper in the location so the ‘ghosts’ have time to read the questions. Personally I say do what you feel, but don’t be afraid to try other methods.

Classes of Voices—

Class A voice can be heard and understood over a speaker by most people.

Class B voice can be heard over a speaker, but not everyone will agree as to what is said.

Class C voice can only be heard with headphones and is difficult to understand. Class B or C voices may have one or two clearly understood words. Loud does not equal Class A.

Kathy.