_{author's note: This article deals with the use of digital recorders. Many investigators in fact prefer to work with analogue, however digital has become the most commonly used format.}

EVP or "Electronic Voice Phenomena" can be one of the most compelling pieces of evidence following a paranormal investigation. Getting a solid recording that doesn't sound overly processed on a computer makes for the most credible example. Unfortunately in the field of Paranormal Investigation it seems more often than not, EVP recordings provided as "evidence" by investigators have been overly-manipulated. If the example is plagued with hiss, digital noise reduction (that "warbly" sound), or even worse sounds overly-manipulated, it will not hold an ounce of credibility to the skeptic or even an enthusiastic fellow investigator.

The author's Zoom H2 grabbing some "vibrations" on the infamous Black Mariah Hearse at The Birdcage Theater in Tombstone, Arizona 

Most of the current books on the subject of EVP may tell you that "all you need is a digital voice recorder" and "any model that connects to your computer will do". We have found that this is not necessarily the case. If you want to get the most out of your EVP capture, the "information" your recorder collects needs to be there BEFORE you edit it on a computer. A reasonably strong and audible signal must be present in the original recording otherwise the EVP will never sound good no matter what is done with it on a computer.

Bottom line - when it comes to getting a solid and clear EVP, the RECORDER is where it counts. Quality built-in mics and a high sample rate are the two things to consider in choosing a good recorder for EVP work.

Here are our recommendations of the "minimum" and "maximum" requirements of a good digital recorder:

1. Sample Rate (think of this like megapixels on a digital camera):

    minimum - Choose a model with a sample rate of at least 16-bit/44.1kHz (Close to CD Quality).
    maximum - Go with a model that offers a 24-bit/96kHz sampling rate (like the Zoom H2'H4 or Edirol R-09 will offer 2x CD quality. This pays of in spades when you capture a whisper and want to have a strong enough signal to boost it to a reasonable volume.


2. File Format:

    minimum - A file format that is compatible with your computer and allows a minimum sample rate of 16-bit/44.1kHz.

    maximum - 24-bit/96kHz WAV files. This format will be the least compressed, hence it will contain a lot more "information" to work with after the investigation.


3. Mics:  

    minimum - A microphone with a frequency response of at least 200-13,000 Hz.

    maximum - Stereo or even better 4 mics (Zoom H2/H4) with a frequency response of approximately 20 Hz to 40 kHz. Many EVP recordings are sampled at frequencies outside of the typical range of human speech. The greater the range your recorder can handle, the better your chances of capturing a spirit's "voice".


4. MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL:   

    minimum - Get something you will feel comfortable learning how to use in the field. No matter how many bells and whistles, if you don't master the handling and control of your recorder, you will miss out on opportunities to gather data on an investigation (which is why you buy a recorder in the first place)!

    maximum - Be a geek! Read the specs, features and user manual of a device you are considering buying. Most manufacturers have all of this information available on their websites. This can save you frustration by knowing how complex a device is before you spend your money.

Wishing you the best of luck in your paranormal investigations and EVP adventures!


Barry
Senior Investigator
Allied Paranormal Investigation Society