Guest Author - Kim DeLeary

You can use any kind of recorder for capturing EVPs. EVPs have been captured on phone message machines. It does not matter if your EVP is captured on a digital or a tape recorder. Some people prefer one or the other.

Some paranormal investigators say that the first generation digital recorders made noises that were sometimes mistaken for EVPs. The rest of the digital recorders do not have this problem. You can use whatever recorder you have although there are some disadvantages to using recorders with a built in microphone because a built in microphone may pick up noise from the recording machine itself.

Another consideration is to choose a recorder with a counter so if you do find an EVP on your recording, the counter will make it easier to find the EVP. If you do have a recorder with a built in microphone, make sure it also has a jack for a corded microphone. Get a microphone with a three-foot cord so the recording won't pick up any noise from the recorder.

Before you do an actual recording for EVPs, do a two-minute test with your recorder. Set your volume on its highest setting and then record the silence. Listen to your recording for any machine noise or other interference. If you do get too much sound from the recorder, you should switch to another recorder. If you get the option, record at the same speed as your tape.

When you are ready to do the recording for EVPs, set the recorder down on a level surface. Do not set the recorder near windows because sounds travel easily through glass. Do not set the recorder near any near any doors, heaters, vents or air conditioners. Power lines can create a humming sound.

Always use new tapes and keep extra batteries handy. Have the volume at its highest setting. Keep your hands away from the recorder and avoid brushing against the recorder. When you talk, talk in your regular voice because some ghosts speak in whispers and you do not want to mix it up. Stay still during recordings as footsteps can obscure any other recorded sounds.

If you are doing an outside recording, choose a calm day without any wind. Record yourself briefly moving around and so you know what that sounds like as necessary. Sound can travel farther than you think.

Depending on your EVP recording style, you may just leave the recorder on while you leave the area or you may stick around. You could also do the interview type of recording. The length of time you actually record depends on you. Some paranormal investigators leave the recorder on to record the entire length of the tape or they may just record for a few minutes. Some investigators say that by talking to the spirits beforehand, you may be able to capture EVPs in only minutes. How long do you want to listen to the silence when you do listen for any EVPs?

When you are done recording, now you get to listen. Wearing headphones will make it easier to hear any possible EVP. Some paranormal investigators say to listen to the recording at a low volume at first because if you do capture an EVP and the voice was captured near the recorder, you could get frightened if the volume is too loud. Figure out what is background noise and listen carefully for any unexplained voices. You may only get one or two words. You may recognize a human sound with emotion but be unable to tell what is being said.

You just might get lucky and get a clear EVP your first time. If not, do not get discouraged if you do not get an EVP at once. Keep trying and you are bound get an EVP surprise.

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