Electronic Voice Phenomena, EVP,  is the capturing of sounds or voices of the spirits of the dead onto magnetic media, tape.  The same protocols apply for capturing EVP as apply to spirit photography.  Any kind of tape recorder will work for capturing sounds or voices of the dead.  Some of the cheaper devices do, however, produce a noticeable winding sound of the tape - even when using an external microphone - so be careful because you do get what you pay for.  The SEMGHS fully recommends and now uses the Optimus Voice Activiated Digital Tape Recorder (Model No. 14-1180),RCA digital voice recorder or the Radio Shack 125 minute digital voice recorder. for capturing EVP.  In a "side-by-side" comparison test held at Webster Church Cemetery, the traditional tape recorder SEMGHS had been using - without success - failed to record any sounds, but the Optimus Digital Recorder captured several ghostly voices (posted below).

Many ghost researchers believe it is helpful to ask the spirits questions when attempting to capture EVP.  This way the spirits may feel they should answer and thus you increase your chances of capturing sounds or voices.  It may be helpful to write down some questions prior to an investigation, that way you won't forget any important questions you were going  to ask.  Any talking by investigators that could be picked up by the recorder should be in a clear, loud voice so as not to confuse it later with a ghostly voice.  As with photographs, common sense and awareness of your surroundings should be taken so as to deter the skeptics who may question your results.

Real Audio is free and can be downloaded from the Internet at Real Audio.

REAL AUDIO ELECTRONIC VOICE PHENOMENA

* Note:  This is the voice I thought previously to be saying "How Ya Doin'?", but on further review, it sounds more like "Atta Boy" or maybe even "Outta the way".

Copyright © 1999 SouthEast Michigan Ghost Hunters Society