EVP

Brief History of EVPs

Electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) is the alleged communication by spirits through tape recorders and other electronic recording devices.

Interest in EVP apparently began in the 1920’s. An interviewer from Scientific American asked Thomas Edison about the possibility of contacting the dead. Edison, a man of no strong religious views, said "nobody knows whether our personalities pass on to another existence or sphere but it is possible to construct an apparatus which will be so delicate that if there are personalities in another existence or sphere who wish to get in touch with us in this existence or sphere, this apparatus will at least give them a better opportunity to express themselves than the tilting tables, raps, Ouija boards, mediums and the other crude methods now believed to be the only means of communication." There is no evidence, however, that Edison ever designed or tried to construct such a device.

Dr. Konstantin Raudive was born in Latvia in 1906. He became a student of Carl Jung and studied parapsychology all his life. Dr. Raudive later became a psychologist who taught at the University of Uppsala in Sweden.

He was especially interested in the possibility of life after death so he and German parapsychologist Hans Bender examined the possibility of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP).

In 1964, Raudive read Fredrick Jorgensen’s book, Voices From Space and was so impressed by it that he arranged to meet Jürgenson in 1965. Dr. Raudive worked with Jürgenson to record some EVPs, and although they believed that they could hear very faint and muted voices, their initial efforts were not productive. Later as Dr. Raudive listened to one of the recordings, he stated that he clearly heard a number of voices. After playing the tape over and over, he came to interpret the voices, some of which were speaking German and French. A woman’s voice, said "Va dormir, Margarete” which is French for "Go to sleep, Margaret."

In 1971 Dr. Konstantin Raudive published a book on EVP entitled Breakthrough.

Recording Devices Used to Capture EVPs

Micro Cassette Recorders

Always use a fresh tape for every recording session. (Recording over a previously used tape may allow noises from previous recording to bleed thru into next session.)

If possible, use an EXTERNAL microphone. This will drastically reduce the motor noises and internal sounds from the recording device. Extend the MIC away from the unit when recording.

Digital Recorders

Eliminates the need to buy tapes.

Very clear recording.

Recordings can be uploaded to computer if PC compatible and (Cleaned Up) with software.

Rating System for EVPs

Class A The voices are understood by all that listen. The words are actually somewhat loud and clear (rare).

Class B Voices cannot be deciphered clearly and tones are very low and hard to understand.

Class C Voices are extremely faint and almost completely incomprehensible (most common but unacceptable).

An audio editing program is invaluable to assist you in “cleaning up” an EVP such as eliminating background noise and static. Once this is accomplished your EVP becomes easier to hear and often clearer.

Basic Procedures for Capturing EVPs

Always be respectful and ask the spirits permission to record.

When recording EVP avoid having too many people talking.

Avoid an area where there is loud or too much background noise.

Ask questions as though you were talking to somebody sitting right in front of you.

Allow several seconds between questions to provide a response in silence if possible.

At the beginning of your recording session state your location, the time, and the weather conditions. This can be very helpful later on.

When you talk and ask questions, do it in a normal voice. Whispering can sound like a ghost voice when playing back the tape.

As you are recording, be sure to make note of any sounds or noises so as to not confuse it with something paranormal during playback.

Ask the spirits to talk loudly and even shout if possible. We need that voice as loud and clear as possible.

Always express your gratitude at the end of the recording session. They like it when you say "Thank you."

On playback do not confuse background noise and garble as a ghost voice! If it sounds like it could be background noise, then it most likely is just that.

During playback it is advised that you use earphones that completely cover your ears as not to allow distractions when you're reviewing the recording. When adjusting the volume make sure it is at a safe level so that a sudden loud burst will not deafen you.

Recording Devices Used to Capture EVPs

Micro Cassette Recorders

Always use a fresh tape for every recording session. (Recording over a previously used tape may allow noises from previous recording to bleed thru into next session.)

If possible, use an EXTERNAL microphone. This will drastically reduce the motor noises and internal sounds from the recording device. Extend the MIC away from the unit when recording.

Digital Recorders

Eliminates the need to buy tapes.

Very clear recording.

Recordings can be uploaded to computer if PC compatible and (Cleaned Up) with software.

Parabolic Microphones

Very sensitive

Can be used with Tape or Digital recorders.

Rating System for EVPs

Class A The voices are understood by all that listen. The words are actually somewhat loud and clear (rare).

Class B Voices cannot be deciphered clearly and tones are very low and hard to understand.

Class C Voices are extremely faint and almost completely incomprehensible (most common but unacceptable).

An audio editing program is invaluable to assist you in “cleaning up” an EVP such as eliminating background noise and static. Once this is accomplished your EVP becomes easier to hear and often clearer.

Basic Procedures for Capturing EVPs

Always be respectful and ask the spirits permission to record.

When recording EVP avoid having too many people talking.

Avoid an area where there is loud or too much background noise.

Ask questions as though you were talking to somebody sitting right in front of you.

Allow several seconds between questions to provide a response in silence if possible.

As you are recording, be sure to make note of any sounds or noises so as to not confuse it with something paranormal during playback.

Ask the spirits to talk loudly and even shout if possible. We need that voice as loud and clear as possible.

Always express your gratitude at the end of the recording session. They like it when you say "Thank you."

On playback do not confuse background noise and garble as a ghost voice! If it sounds like it could be background noise, then it most likely is just that.

During playback it is advised that you use earphones that completely cover your ears as not to allow distractions when you're reviewing the recording. When adjusting the volume make sure it is at a safe level so that a sudden loud burst will not deafen you.

I Hear Something…Now What?

After capturing what you believe to be an EVP have another person listen to it but don’t tell them what you think it says until after they have listened.

An audio editing program is invaluable to assist you in “cleaning up” an EVP such as eliminating background noise and static. Once this is accomplished your EVP becomes easier to hear and interpret.

If using an audio program on your PC you can clip out the section of audio you want to save and give it its own file name for future reference.

You can find audio editing software at http://www.download.com/ or at http://www.tucows.com/

Not Everything You Hear is Paranormal

There are a multitude of possible explanations to noises you may capture on audio.

It is impossible to prove that all EVPs are due to natural phenomena.

Some examples are more compelling than others; ultimately, the listener must decide for him/herself as to the authenticity and meaning of the phenomena.

Recording Devices Used to Capture EVPs Micro Cassette Recorders

Always use a fresh tape for every recording session. (Recording over a previously used tape may allow noises from previous recording to bleed thru into next session.)

If possible, use an EXTERNAL microphone. This will drastically reduce the motor noises and internal sounds from the recording device. Extend the MIC away from the unit when recording.

Digital Recorders

Eliminates the need to buy tapes.

Very clear recording.

Recordings can be uploaded to computer if PC compatible and (Cleaned Up) with software.

Parabolic Microphones

Very sensitive

Can be used with Tape or Digital recorders.

Rating System for EVPs

Class A The voices are understood by all that listen. The words are actually somewhat loud and clear (rare).

Class B Voices cannot be deciphered clearly and tones are very low and hard to understand.

Class C Voices are extremely faint and almost completely incomprehensible (most common but unacceptable).

An audio editing program is invaluable to assist you in “cleaning up” an EVP such as eliminating background noise and static. Once this is accomplished your EVP becomes easier to hear and often clearer.

Basic Procedures for Capturing EVPs

Always be respectful and ask the spirits permission to record.

When recording EVP avoid having too many people talking.

Avoid an area where there is loud or too much background noise.

Ask questions as though you were talking to somebody sitting right in front of you.

Allow several seconds between questions to provide a response in silence if possible.

As you are recording, be sure to make note of any sounds or noises so as to not confuse it with something paranormal during playback.

Ask the spirits to talk loudly and even shout if possible. We need that voice as loud and clear as possible.

Always express your gratitude at the end of the recording session. They like it when you say "Thank you."

On playback do not confuse background noise and garble as a ghost voice! If it sounds like it could be background noise, then it most likely is just that.

During playback it is advised that you use earphones that completely cover your ears as not to allow distractions when you're reviewing the recording. When adjusting the volume make sure it is at a safe level so that a sudden loud burst will not deafen you.

I Hear Something…Now What?

After capturing what you believe to be an EVP have another person listen to it but don’t tell them what you think it says until after they have listened.

An audio editing program is invaluable to assist you in “cleaning up” an EVP such as eliminating background noise and static. Once this is accomplished your EVP becomes easier to hear and interpret.

If using an audio program on your PC you can clip out the section of audio you want to save and give it its own file name for future reference.

You can find audio editing software at http://www.download.com/ or at http://www.tucows.com/

Not Everything You Hear is Paranormal

There are a multitude of possible explanations to noises you may capture on audio.

It is impossible to prove that all EVPs are due to natural phenomena.

Some examples are more compelling than others; ultimately, the listener must decide for him/herself as to the authenticity and meaning of the phenomena.

Recording Devices Used to Capture EVPs

Micro Cassette Recorders