- Equipment -
Dictaphones

Why use them for paranormal research?

They can be used both for recording interviews with witnesses / séances or mediums dialogue - to ensure correct recording of the information or for attempting to record E.V.P. (electronic voice phenomena) and other unexplainable sounds. They are also a handy tool for recording base test readings and fluctuations, offering instant playback of previous readings for comparison. They can be used for taking notes during an investigation without having to write using a torch, and as with playback of camcorder tapes, can aid the memory whilst compiling reports or summaries.

Electronic Voice Phenomenon (E.V.P.)

Electronic Voice Phenomenon: The receiving of voice on a recording device for which there is no known physical source. The electronic voice phenomenon {EVP} is controversial; EVP researchers believe they capture on tape the voices of the dead, spirit beings and extraterrestrials, but sceptics contend the voices come from radio, television and city band {CB} radio transmissions or are imagined from static and white sound. EVP voices often are faint and difficult to understand.
EVP is the first high-technology attempt to communicate with the dead and other discarnate beings.
By the 1980's, thousands of EVP researchers around the world were recording messages apparently from the dead and from more evolved spiritual beings that had once lived as humans on earth. Many are engineers and electronics experts who have devised sophisticated experimental equipment for capturing the voices which can be rated according to three categories: Class ‘C’ are faint, whispery voices that can barely be heard and are sometimes indecipherable; Class ‘B’ voices, are louder and clearer and can sometimes be heard without headphones; and Class ‘A’ voices are clear, can be heard without headphones, and can be duplicated into other tapes. EVP voices are usually not heard during recording, only on playback. They typically speak in short, cryptic and sometimes grammatically incorrect phrases. They speak in a variety of languages, regardless of the listeners, and sometimes sing indistinguishable lyrics. Sometimes the voices sound natural and at other times they sound mechanical. Sometimes one or two voices are heard, and other times a multitude of them. The voices are identifiable as men, women and children. Animal sounds have been recorded as well.

There are various ways to attempt to record EVP voices. The simplest is to turn on a recorder on and leave it running. Enthusiasts record at any time of day and night, but night is best to reduce the risk of broadcast interference. Serious researchers employ sensitive microphones, amplifiers and high quality tape. Some researchers ask questions and leave a tape running to capture answers that are inaudible during taping, but audible on playback. Often headphones must be used to distinguish EVP voices. Samples of some of the clearer recordings can be heard on the Internet. The experimenter’s intent is said to be a major factor in the results obtained. An open minded, positive attitude is desirable. Doubt seems to dampen results.
Many investigators doubt EVP voices are paranormal.
The interpretation of EVP sounds is highly subjective and was susceptible to imagination, and the voices are possibly a natural phenomenon. Such conclusions are supported by the 'Rorschach' sound test, which demonstrates that a person can listen to a medley of sounds and hear whatever one wishes. Other sceptics propose that the voices are due to psycho kinesis in which sounds are imprinted on the tape due to intense desire of the experimenter to capture “paranormal voices” (itself a paranormal idea).
Despite such unproven experimental records, EVP researchers strive to capture something on tape that will prove survival after death. Séances are conducted for individuals, groups, and even the media.
The EVP phenomenon has moved into other media as well, including television, video and film cameras, and computers. Many technological advances were made in the 1980's and beyond with the development of sophisticated electronic equipment that used ultraviolet and infrared lights and extremely low beat frequency oscillators and other electronic systems.

What equipment is needed to capture EVP?

This need not be expensive, but a good deal of patience and persistence is necessary.

Tape Recorder

Paranormal voices have been recorded on all types of tape recorders. Because of the vocal quality of the voice, however, it is advisable to use a cassette tape deck rather than a portable tape recorder with a built-in microphone. Tape recorders of this nature tend to be noisy and in most cases overshadow the faint voices. Whatever type of tape recorder is chosen, be sure it has a counter.

Amplifier

Since old tape deck does not have an amplifier it will be necessary to use one into which the tape recorder can be plugged. There is a wide price range. The one you choose should be of high quality with low noise characteristics but it is not necessary to buy the most expensive one on the market. Many home stereo systems have an outlet for a tape recorder. If you have a stereo, check and see if there is a connection for a recorder. If so, you can play your tape recorder through that and avoid the cost of an amplifier. Most nowadays come with this feature are even Dictaphones and MP3 Recorders can be used! The added bonus with MP3s is that it is easily transferable to a PC for storage and analysis.

Microphone

A microphone should always be used while recording. In this way, you will have a record, on tape, of the date and time you made your recordings as well as questions asked during the recording. Some entities also seem to use the microphone in order to answer your questions as well as make comments of their own.

Headphones

Headphones should always be worn when playing a tape back. Since the paranormal voice is not loud, especially in-the early months of recording, many voices will be missed unless headphones are used. These should be plugged into the amplifier. The earmuff type, which completely covers the ear, is better than the flat type that fit into your ears.

Tape

Any low noise, high sensitivity tape may be used. Regular tape is recommended rather than high-density tape, which generally has a higher residual noise level than regular tape. If a cassette tape deck is used for recording, 60-minute tape is preferable (30 minutes each side). Longer tapes at times become entangled with the inner mechanism and parts may be destroyed as you free it.

Speaker

A separate speaker is not necessary but is a welcome addition. Without the speaker, only someone wearing headphones can hear a tape as it is played back. With the speaker, everyone in the room can hear. It is also helpful to the experimenter when he hears an unusually loud, clear voice during playback, he can take off the headphones and replay the segment through the external speaker. Then he can classify the voices as Class A, B, or C.

It is not necessary to spend a great deal of money in order to start recording voices. Listed above is the “bare bones”, if you have some of the equipment mentioned, use it. Later on, if you decide to continue working in the field, you will have a better idea what needs to be replaced, or the type of equipment you prefer.