Tools of the Trade
Many investigators consider audio to be some of the most interesting evidence they collect. It's also some of the easiest to misinterpret. Good habits make all the difference.
What is EVP? EVP stands for electronic voice phenomena. These are voices or sounds captured on a recording that no one heard at the time. Investigators often ask questions aloud and then pause, leaving silence for a possible response to show up on the recording.
Choosing a recorder. A simple digital audio recorder works well. Look for one that:
Records in a high-quality, uncompressed format if possible
Has an external microphone input
Shows an accurate date and time
Has long battery life
Set the date and time correctly before every investigation. Timestamps matter when you compare audio with video and notes later.
Recording good EVP sessions:
Start each recording by saying the date, time, location, and who is present.
Place the recorder on a stable surface, not in your hand, to avoid handling noise.
Ask simple, respectful questions, and pause 10 to 15 seconds after each one.
Tag every noise. If someone coughs, a car passes, or your stomach growls, say so out loud: "That was my chair creaking." This one habit prevents countless false positives.
Avoid whispering. Whispers are hard to tell apart from possible EVP later.
Common sources of false EVP. Outdoor traffic, wind, the house settling, pets, neighbors, appliances, radio interference, and team members' own voices can all sound surprising on playback. In windy Panhandle weather, outside noise is a constant challenge. Note conditions in your log.
What is a spirit box? A spirit box is a device that rapidly scans through radio frequencies, producing a steady stream of static and fragments of sound. Some investigators believe spirits may use these fragments to form words in response to questions.
The limits of spirit boxes. It's important to be honest here. Because a spirit box is scanning live radio, it will naturally pick up bits of broadcasts — words, music, and voices. The human brain is also very good at hearing words in random noise, especially when we're expecting a certain answer. This doesn't mean spirit box sessions are worthless, but it does mean results need to be handled with great care.
Using a spirit box responsibly:
Record every session on a separate audio recorder.
Have one person ask questions and others write down what they hear independently, without saying it out loud.
Compare notes afterward. A response is more interesting when several people heard the same thing on their own.
Treat single words as weak evidence, especially common ones.
Never let spirit box responses alone drive conclusions you share with a family.
Audio can be powerful, but only when it's collected carefully and reviewed honestly. When in doubt, label a clip "unexplained" rather than giving it a story it may not deserve.