For many paranormal investigators, EVP’s are some of the most convincing evidence of legitimate paranormal activity.  However, skeptics seem to discount even the most clear EVP’s theorizing that the evidence must have been faked, or citing legitimate factors that could cause a recording device to playback supposedly unheard voices.  What other explanation could there be to sound being recorded that was unheard by the human ear at the time that the recording was taken?  I think that skeptics who too quickly discount the legitimacy of EVP’s may not be doing themselves a disservice. 

I know, I know.  Usually, I’m the skeptic.  But, in this case, I think that there is some sensible considerations to be made as to the validity of EVP’s as a form of worthwhile evidence.  Let us take, for instance, the case of Infrared Light and modern camcorders with CCD’s that can “see” in the infrared spectrum.  Our human eyes cannot perceive infrared light.  However, the camcorder does.  By using night shot, the camcorder picks up the IR light reflected from objects in front of it, and converts that to a monochromatic image that our eyes can perceive.  Let’s consider this for a moment.  IR light is real, but not perceived by our natural senses.  We use technology to convert the light into something that we can perceive.

So may be the case for Electronic Voice Phenomena.  If spirits speak on a level that is imperceptible to our natural senses, but a digital recorder can make a record of the sound, and converts it into something that our senses can perceive.  This, I believe is not too far fetched.  That being said, there are some definite things to consider when considering the quality and/or validity of an EVP. 

First, are there legitimate sounds or words, or is your mind making something out of nothing.  I’ve watched investigator after investigator sit down to a completely garbled, utterly short, barely perceivable audio sound, and say what they think it is saying.  This is another case of auditory pareidolia, or “Rorschach Audio,” where the sound is really just a random sound with no intelligent source, but our minds try to put some meaning into it.  So, what makes a good EVP.  In my opinion, it has to meet the following standards to be considered paranormal: 

1. The voice and words must be clear.  Never say what you think it means before another person listens to it.  Instead, listen to the EVP, write down what you think it says, and have other investigators do the same.  If the sound is non-intelligent, that is to say, if it is not trying to say something, then the statistical probability is that your team will not agree on the meaning of the sound.  However, if in a blind study, your team all produces similar or exact results, you really have something to consider.
2. The voice is responding to questions or comments that the investigators are asking or saying on the digital recording.
3. The voice uses a name that matches with some historical research in the home.

 Here are some things to consider when discounting an EVP. 

1.  Is the sound a “moan” or “roar?” If so, you should consider that there are a great deal of uncontrollable factors that could cause such a sound, that you would barely notice at the time of the recording (car engines, plan engines, etc.)
2. Where was the equipment in relation to the investigators when the EVP was picked up?  Digital recorders are really sensitive (even without using external microphones), and will pick up things that would otherwise go unnoticed by you.  For instance, a brief conversation by people across the street can actually be recorded if the recording device is near an exterior wall.
3. Be careful about any modifications that you make to the sound when using sound-modification software.  Anything more than simple amplification and removing background noise could lead you to intentionally tweak the sound so you hear what you want to hear.

Follow these guidelines, and you’ll know whether you have something that you can call a good piece of evidence, or something that even non-skeptics will call pure bunk.

 As always, be safe in your investigating.