EVP Analysis

EVP CLASSIFICATION : Before I can discuss the analysis of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), I first need to define what I consider the phenomena to be. I classify EVP to be a voice or a sound, that is not heard whilst recording, but heard only on playback. I appreciate that you may have an alternative definition, however, this site focuses on recordings following this supposition.

Evidential recordings require the freedom of the sender, to express their message, without limitation, or restriction. Using devices with a predetermined vocabulary, typically triggered by EMP are by their nature, of limited use in research. Whilst they are an easy device to use and quick to produce a response, the authenticy of communication is questionable.

Radio scanners can be problematic with the speed and clarity of speech. I do not consider such devices to provide EVP. Should voices be forthcoming and coherant, I would consider communication to be more akin to Direct Radio Voices (DRV), and outside the scope of my practice.

Now I have stated my position, we can look at how best to capture voices and analyse the recordings.

EQUIPMENT : It's unnecessary for me to specify a particular instrument for recording, so long as it has an earphone socket for playback, it may be used to duplicate my protocol. From experience, digital recorders and tape recorders work well and are low cost. Mobile phones are not suitable.

RECORDING : I do not recommend background noise whilst recording; unless you are in shielded environment, you should not need it. There is always an environmental domestic hum, which can be modulated into vocal waves. Lower end recorders, with higher inherant noise levels, are more productive than those with ultra high definition. The voice needs a carrier, albeit at a very low level.

TRANSFER : You have a recording, which needs to be reviewed. Using a 3.5mm lead, connect the earphone socket of whatever device you used, to the microphone socket of your computer. This is important ** transfer the recording from the device to the computer in real time - do not transfer by USB **.

ANALYSIS : The choice of audio software depends on you budget and ability to manipulate sound. Most experimenters begin with the free open source programme Audacity, only moving on when filtration becomes a priority. When a channel of communication has been established and voices become strong, you need nothing more.

Reviewing EVP is both exciting and tedious. Short recordings of no more than 10 minutes to begin with, will familiarise your ears and brain, to the patterns of noise versus voices. Always use earphones, this is where quality matters. The use of static noise during review can be painful, which is why it's best to begin with no backgound noise. I do not clean master recordings before review, as feint voices are captured in noise. If you over filter the recording, you will inevitably loose the lower range voices, making them inaudible.

It's advantageous to accept your interpretation of EVP as being subjective and not be fixated on your translation. No matter how clear you purport the speech to be, another listener may disagree. With experience, vocal patterns become more familiar and your ability to confidently interpret language will improve.

CONSIDERATIONS : Establishing a clear channel for EVP communication takes time and effort on both sides, there are no short cuts. If you commit to a regular schedule of recording, even once a month, your chances of success will be much improved. Ad hoc sessions are far less likely to produce good results, consistency is key.

My only words of caution are to the overly sensitive. EVP is an open microphone, with no filter for negativity. You have no control over speakers. A small minority of communicators are intentionally offensive and alarmist. Do not treat it as a game. If you are not able to mentally detach yourself from comments you may hear, I would suggest thinking twice before you record.

The video below covers this topic in greater depth. If you have any questions regarding the recording and analysis of EVP, you are welcome to get in touch and I'll do my best to help.