The Equipment
Digital or IC Recoder MicroCassette needs External Mic
Recorders
Digital recorders, or IC recorders as they are known, are fast becoming the first choice of professional and amateur paranormal investigators. The problems associated with these digital recorders usually arise in that some of these recorders have “noisy circuitry” resulting in digital static. This digital static can be mistaken as an actual EVP to the untrained ear and sometimes can fool even the most experienced. Analog recorders which utilize magnetic tape as the recording medium must be used with an external microphone so as to reduce the capturing of “gear noise” or the actual sound of the internal mechanics of the tape spool’s movement. At NESPI we have experimented with numerous makes and types of microphones and found the less expensive ones to be the most effective in actually picking up EVPs.
Computer
You really need a computer or access to one and a specialty software program to analyze and edit the recording. The upside is the ability you gain to clean up the background noise while preserving the integrity and enhancing the characteristics of the voice. While computers are certainly not cheap, much of the sound editing software available is. At NESPI we use “Cool Edit” which is a very sophisticated program but fairly simple to learn. “Cool Edit” is currently sold by Adobe as “Audition 2.0” for around $140.00. “Sound booth” is another Adobe product which we have been experimenting with in pre-release and believe to be much easier to use than “Audition” but giving almost equally good results in the sound editing department. “Sound Booth” is expected to retail for around $100.00. Both allow for easy noise reduction and amplification. Be sure to record using the line-in jack on the computer and that the computer has a good quality sound card.
Headphones
You’ll want a quality headphone set. Choose one that completely covers the ears. The vast majority of EVPs are soft, quiet, whisperish voices and can be missed very easily. The ear is like any other muscle, the more you use it the stronger it becomes. The more time you spend listening for EVPs, the stronger your perception of them will become.
Time & Place
There are no rules as to when, where, or even if, an entity will speak. When first starting out trying to capture EVPs it is best to record at the same time and at the same location each time. It doesn’t matter whether or not it’s the middle of the afternoon or the middle of the night but repetition does seem to make a difference. As the lead EVP specialist for NESPI I can attest to the fact that some of the very best EVPs I ever caught were in the afternoon!
Background Noise
There are several schools of thought here. The most commonly held to is that the entities actually manipulate the ambient sound in the area to speak through. This makes sense as they have no vocal chords they would need some mechanism in which to manifest their voice. I have personally found running, gurgling water to be the best. This can be easily accomplished by recording over the sink while a light stream of water runs down the drain creating that gurgling sound. The second most common method for background noise is to tune a radio to a setting between stations so as to create just “white noise”. However, I must say that during an actual investigation we usually have at least 5 recorders going all the time and some of our clearest and best EVPs are right out of thin air.
Questions
When you begin your recording session allow the recorder to run at least 10 seconds before you ask your first question. These 10 seconds can be used later in the editing process. You should be relaxed and in a generally good state of mind. Initially, I became interested in EVP because it was a scientific method of paranormal investigation and not as subjective as many others. Your mood or personal feelings should not enter into the equation. You perform the test and get a result. You do it again and should get the same result. However, it does seem like the evidence is pointing to the fact that the feelings and moods of the experimenter do in fact play a role in not only who, but possibly, what answers. Take your time. Ask your question and wait at least a minimum of 20 to 30 seconds before asking another. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t immediately make contact. It comes easier to some people than others. Be persistent.
If you are attempting to communicate with a particular spirit, give it time. It seems they need time to learn how to make their voices heard. If you have asked for a specific spirit to respond and have received an answer from a spirit representing itself to be that specific spirit, don’t be surprised or disappointed to find out that it wasn’t. Ask a question that only the spirit you wish to speak to could know the answer to. In the beginning it’s a good idea to say a prayer for protection. Even if you don’t believe, it can’t hurt! Another fun test is to ask something like “What am I holding in my hand?” The responses can be quite interesting. One time I held up a 6 inch figure of Buddha. The answer came back as …”small white porcelain statue”. Interesting.
Once, I was trying find out if the entity I was speaking with was in the room with me or somewhere else and I asked the question “Where are you?” On playback a very soft, female whisper replied “Closer, than you think”
Warnings & Considerations
If you are offended easily by the use of bad language EVP work might not be for you. There are many “prankster” entities that seem to enjoy the shock value of foul language and will say anything.
There is no way to be totally prepared for when you get your first response. I promise you it will get your blood pressure going! You should be physically fit and healthy or else EVP work might not be for you.
There are no experts in this field. No one really knows who or what we are truly dealing with. Personally, I have recorded thousands of hours and had numerous conversations right in my home and never had a bad thing happen. But that’s my experience and yours could be quite different. Be careful and use common sense. If you have a problem or a question contact me immediately at NESPI.