Tips for Good EVP Recordings:
If traditional cassette recorders are being used instead of digital recorders, use the following rules: use a full-size tape recorder and not the handheld models. The reason is the handheld models have the tendency to record the moving gears inside of the recorder. The small cassette recorders are fine for witness interviews but not for EVP recordings. To reduce the chance of a “bleed through” effect, only record on brand new cassettes and only record on one side of each cassette. Bleed through is when overlapping recordings unintentionally mix together.
When a microphone is needed, use an external static-free microphone. Be careful not to bump the microphone. If the microphone is bumped or dropped, make a verbal note on the recording. Make verbal notes of other natural sounds such as gusting winds and creaking doors. Most digital recorders do not require external microphones. In some cases, a microphone might increase the static interference.
Begin the EVP process with stating who is present, the time and date, and the purpose of the recording. Ghost hunters should keep other conversations to a minimum and should never whisper during the recordings. This will help distinguish between human voices and genuine paranormal phenomena.
Do not use other noisy equipment in close proximity to the audio recorders. The noises might cut off the recording and the interference from these devices can create sound distortions and audio feedback.
Potential EVP Questions
It is a good idea to prepare questions in advance. This will save time and the person running the EVP session will not forget to ask an important question. This is a list of possible EVP questions. Ghost hunters should be able to formulate their own questions after evaluating the research. Keep the questions simple so that the answers can be simple. It is acceptable to repeat the same question several times.
- What is your name?
- How old are you?
- Why are you here?
- Is there anyone else here?
- What year were you born?
- Are you married?
- Did you have children?
- How old are they?
- What are their names?
- What is your occupation?
- Can I take your picture?
- Did you live here?
- How do you feel?
- Is there anything that you would like to tell us?
EVP questions should always be respectful. When nothing else is working, it can be tempting to provoke a ghost into action. Do not use vulgarity, threats or intimidation. It is not productive or professional, and it could be potentially dangerous.
Final Notes on EVP Recordings:
EVPs are important because the recording documents communication with ghosts. Ghost hunting is largely a percentage game. Patience and luck can play a large role in successful EVP recordings. Ghost hunters can become frustrated with the process if nothing of value is recorded after several attempts, but stick with this process. Some ghost hunters have recorded successful EVP recordings on their first attempt while other ghost hunters did not get a successful EVP recording until after more than a hundred attempts. Depending on the capability of a ghost hunter’s equipment, it could be a good idea to record the entire ghost hunt. If ghost hunters are capturing good EVP when audio recorders are turned on, just imagine what amazing phenomena might be missed when no one is recording.
Do not forget that any device that records sound can capture an EVP – tape recorders, telephone answering machines, television recording devices, home computers, laptops and video recorders are the most popular. Ghost hunters who want to listen to EVP recordings captured by others can find samples on the Internet. Go to a favorite Internet search engine and search for the following: Electronic Voice Phenomena, EVP, EVP Recordings or EVP Ghost Recordings.