| Digital voice recorders are a key tool in the paranormal | | | | - When asking questions allow sufficient time to |
| investigator's arsenal for capturing EVPs (electronic | | | | capture any possible responses before asking the |
| voice phenomena). There are many different models | | | | next question. |
| to which to choose. Voice recorders which require | | | | - Try to keep your questions as short as possible. |
| tapes will usually record of pick up the sound of the | | | | Pause 20 seconds between questions. |
| motor which drive the tape. When considering the | | | | - Try to be creative in the questions you ask. Don't |
| purchase of a digital voice recorder consider one that | | | | be afraid to ask "What is your favorite beer?" |
| has plenty of memory, a microphone jack, a USB 2.0 | | | | - The more voice recorders placed during an |
| jack, a battery life meter, and a headphone jack. | | | | investigation improves the chance of getting EVPs. |
| Prices range from about $35 to $150. | | | | - When leaving the voice recorder in an area, look for |
| Here are some important things to consider when | | | | anything that might create unwanted noise like a fan, |
| using a digital voice recorder for a paranormal | | | | lights, heater, air conditioning unit, etc. These will |
| investigation: | | | | contaminate the EVP session. |
| - This instrument can be used while scanning an area | | | | - When leaving the voice recorder in an area, try to |
| or simply left in any room or area where paranormal | | | | seal off the area from other investigators or other |
| activity has been cited. | | | | people which could contaminate the evidence. |
| - Begin recording as soon as you enter an investigation | | | | - If your voice recorder has "voice activation" do not |
| site. Some of the best EVPs have been recorded | | | | use it. They are not sensitive enough to pick up all |
| during the initial "walk through" or when least expected. | | | | EVPs. Always use the "manual" mode. |
| - Consider adding an external microphone which can | | | | - Try to avoid recording where people are away from |
| pick up sounds with superior sound quality. | | | | the recorder talking some distance away which can |
| - A good tool to use in conjunction with the EMF meter | | | | create false positives. |
| when EMF spikes occur which may mean the | | | | - While it may seem obvious, it must be stated. Be |
| presence of a spirit. | | | | sure to review your EVP sessions. Sadly, many |
| - A good tool to use in conjunction with a ambient | | | | paranormal investigators don't even bother to review |
| temperature meter when cold spots occur. | | | | their EVP sessions. Then, why bother? |
| - Should be kept away from EMF meters which can | | | | - Review the EVP session with a pen and paper and |
| cause false readings on the EMF meter. | | | | write down which file and the time stamp when |
| - Never whisper during EVP sessions. This will create | | | | something unusual occurs and describe the event. |
| false evidence. | | | | - To conduct a good review, your reviewing time |
| - When holding it in your hand care should be taken to | | | | should almost double the playback time. If you have 1 |
| avoid recording "jostling" noises which will be recorded | | | | hour of material, it should take you 2 hours to review it. |
| and will cover any EVPs which may have been | | | | - Use a audio software like Wavepad or Audacity to |
| recorded. | | | | review EVP sessions. |
| - Replace if you have any doubt on the strength of | | | | - Take periodic breaks to avoid listening fatigue. |
| the batteries. | | | | - Use headphone while reviewing EVP session to |
| - Tag each file by stating your name, who is present, | | | | improve what you are hearing. The best headphones |
| the date, location, and time. | | | | cover your entire ear. |
| - Any natural or man-made noises should be verbally | | | | - Don't hesitate to do a second review. You may |
| identified or "tagged." | | | | find something you missed. |
| - Try to limit your recording files to no more than about | | | | - Try to put yourself into a quiet area when reviewing |
| 20 minutes. Then, when you review your evidence | | | | EVP sessions. Distractive background noise can limit |
| you will only be reviewing 20 minute segments. | | | | your ability to listen. |
| - At the end of the investigation, be sure to handle the | | | | - If your "EVP ear" is undeveloped, learn to develop |
| voice recorder with care to avoid accidental erasure | | | | your ear for hearing EVPs by listening to many of |
| of your recording sessions. Consider backing your | | | | them which are available on the web. Listen with |
| files on a laptop or external hard drive at the | | | | earphones on too. Sometimes it takes a trained ear to |
| investigation if one is available. | | | | hear EVPs. |