Audio Taping for EVP's

by: the Haunted NC/Seven team

EVP can be a most impressive result of an investigation. When done correctly it can bring forth voices, sound and other phenomenon that may be associated with ghosts. Audio results are only as good as the person who tapes it is careful, so take great care to check and recheck you audio work.

When audio taping is started, the investigator in charge of audio should state the case information and start time. The audio person should use a clear, distinct voice. It can be helpful to have each investigator state his/her own name on tape to help later in distinguishing EVP phenomenon from actual 'live' voices of investigators. This can be especially important if there is a guest present whose voice you may not be familiar with on tape.

We prefer that voice activation mode be turned off and if possible at least one tape recorder be left recording during the entire investigation. This is simply because we don't wish to chance missing something clear but faint enough that the VA doesn't trigger. We also tend to prefer leaving one tape machine in one place (though often a second machine may be carried by an investigator doing specific EVP work). The reason for this is simply because moving around creates a whole slew of additional noises we'd rather not have on the tape. In addition it helps having one tape covering ALL events in a location (this can also be accomplished with a video camera) so we have something to refer back to if there is a question.

Team members should continue to talk in normal voice tones - no whispering as this can result in false positives. Also, chattering should be kept to a minimum. Use some common sense when making noise - heeled shoes need to be noted so they aren't mistaken for ghostly footsteps. Hitting, bumping, brushing and similar near the microphone, machine or nearby needs to be noted so they don't get mistaken.

NEW tapes MUST be used for each investigation. Easy enough since ALL tapes from an investigation (even ones with no apparent EVP) in our case, are filed with the reports in the event we wish to review them later. You don't want results questioned because you reused a tape - this leaves the possibility open for sound from the first recording bleeding through to the second.

Good music quality tapes should be used. Chromium Oxide tapes have been known to double record, so should be avoided if possible.

Preferably, only one side of a tape should be used to prevent any possible doubling. Again, using both sides leaves the possibility open that sound from one side could bleed through to the other.

All tapes should be numbered with the case # or name and the audio recorder-investigator's name, as well as the number of that tape (if 3 are used they should be number #1 of 3, etc.). Additionally we include a written note of the time and location as well. This makes your life MUCH easier when you get home and need to sort, log and listen to each tape as well as helps keep your records straight later on.

Itis preferable to use a recorder with an external microphone as this cuts down the internal noise of the tape machine being caught on the recorder. If possible a broadcast quality shielded cable is ideal as this reduces the possibility of stray transmissions or disturbances being picked up on the tape.

Sounds enhancers (i.e.: sound capture or parabolic dishes) are certainly acceptable and maybe even desirable, but we prefer them to be used on a 2nd machine if possible for comparison purposes. Also, the recording tech should state what device is being used on the introduction. Our regular microphones are very sensitive so keep in mind the enhancers may pick things up that are very normal well in the distance - even if you think it's impossible that it picked up that far. So be very careful that everyone keeps accurate logs regarding their conversations and surrounding noises.

Keep in mind that some EVPs are very clear upon playback while others are barely more than the level of background static. In our experience you eventually develop an ear for it - they are often flat or atonal sounding, or "one dimensional", but distinct. Be careful not to imagine things in the static .This is easy to do when you've been listening for long periods so take frequent breaks. We also have had many cases where a "ping" or similar noise precedes an EVP.

Beware of digital static when using digital recorders. Digital recorders are becoming better and better quality, but in this and with ANY type of recorder KNOW your machine! I have heard digital feedback that sounded very ghost like if incorrectly interpreted.

Usually you do NOT hear EVPs until the tape is played back.

We are not fond of manipulating a tape more than necessary to clear it up (removing hiss and background noise, etc.). Our feeling is simply that if you must over-manipulate a recording you may be reading something into it that wasn't there. We don't claim to have the right answer on this, that's only our feeling.