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Ghosts 101: How do I capture EVP?
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Many of you may remember a movie with Michael Keaton from a few years back called White Noise. It was touted as being the movie that told the truth about Electronic Voice Phenomena, or EVP. Yeah, it's not like that.EVP is the capture of spirit sounds or voices onto magnetic or digital media, such as tape or a CD. Any kind of tape recorder will work for EVP capture, however, certain things need to be remembered. Cheaper recorders and those with built-in microphones will possibly pick up internal noises from the recorder itself, and these sounds are frequently mistaken for spirit voices.
When EVP capture is attempted outdoors, keep wind conditions in mind. Wind and rain can simulate voices, as can other outdoor sounds such as traffic and bird calls. Also, researchers' conversation should be kept to a minimum, but if required, then all researchers should speak in strong, clear voices so as not to be confused later with spirit voices. Indoor noises to be aware of include the sounds of heels on flooring and other types of movement.
There are two basic methods to capture EVP. The first method involves turning the recording device on and then asking a series of questions. Each question should be asked in a clear voice, with a pause between each question. Many researchers feel this method gives some direction to the spirits and therefore produces better results. It is advisable for one researcher to ask the questions while another keeps a log, noting the weather conditions, any noises and the time each occurred.
The second involves turning the recording device on, placing it in a secure location, and then leaving that location so that no researchers' voices will be captured. That method was being employed when this EVP was captured by an American Paranormal Society researcher during a Nashville historic home investigation in 2005. You can hear the researchers talking as they exit the room, and then you hear the whispered, "It's cold." While not audible to the APS investigators at the time of capture, it is clearly heard in the recording.
Whichever capture method is followed, once recording has ceased, the tape should be listened to by several researchers to determine if spirit voices have been recorded. Bear in mind that it is unlikely that anything more than a single word or phrase will be captured, and be patient. You'll listen to hours of audio recordings before you find anything at all. Plus, when asking another researcher to verify your find, simply request they listen to the recording, rather than asking, "Did you just hear a voice say ... ?" That's more likely to assure their non-biased opinion. Also, try to use headphones when listening to audio files. It helps drown out current background noise and makes any possible EVP easier to detect.
Finally, when dealing with EVP, don't worry about ghouls and demons coming after you. Personally, I've yet to receive a verifiable account of something such as that happening. However, should you like assistance with something you're dealing with, don't hesitate to contact a reputable organization, such as the American Paranormal Society.
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