Digital voice recorders and EVP ?

Question

I read that when using a gigital recorder, the results must be downloaded to a computer. The only computer I have access to is a library one and they do not allow installing software. Can I just listen to the playback through the speaker or headphones? Also, would headphones used for a walkman work?

Answer 1

What the h**l is a "certified" paranormal investigator is my only question. (the Beann)

Should be certified, perhaps...

Here's my take on EVP in another question

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 2

It is not necessary to download things onto a computer in order to hear them. My group does it in order to clean up any background noise and it is a way to send the info to each other and make a file to present to the client.  By using the software you can find good natural explainations for the noise on the recorder.  So therefore, if you can recreate it or find a good explaination for the noise, you have cause to say that it might not be paranormal, so you have debunked it.

I have several types of headphones, the ones that fit completely over my ears seen to the best for me.  But as long as you can hear it clearly, any type will do.

Obviously, mono is not going to be as good as stereo, but you know, you crawl before you walk....get you a computer and a better recorder when you can and go from there.

Answer 3

I would use headphones, not a speaker (too much internal and external noise. And any headphones will do, although the better the quality, the less noise you have coming in and the more likely you will hear anything that is really there.

The advantage of downloading is that you can clean up any EVP's that you might get. I have done that with some of mine and actually debunked.

*EDIT*

Debunked: For example, once my husband had an "EVP" that he was very excited about. When I first listened to it, it did sound compelling. But when I cleaned up the static with some software, I could clearly tell it was one of the other investigators (the voice changed but the content of what they were saying was clearly an extension from a few seconds earlier). It was not an otherworldly voice.

For your headphones, it is worth investigating in a good set of stereo (two ear) headphones. You can get a decent set for under $20. The best ones (in my opinion) are ones that drown out external noise. Make sure you listen to your recordings in a quiet place where you won't be disturbed too.

Answer 4

Capability to download doesn't mean that a download is required. I haven't seen a digital recorder yet that didn't allow audio playback, but a USB or serial connection to download the recordings as "WMF" or "MP3" files is typically what's meant.

This isn't to say that there isn't a recorder that doesn't allow playback, I just haven't seen it.

The software used (typically Audacity, which is free) merely enhances the EVP's and allows audio boosting, but you need to be careful because if you "enhance" the audio the wrong way, it can end up misleading you as to its source.

There are quite a number of methods included which reduce noise and boost volume. But these are only used for debunking the EVP (as being normal in origin, rather than paranormal).

Also, reviewing your own audio can reduce false positives. You were there. You can generally remember what you heard (though even this shouldn't be relied upon as fact too heavily).

Generally, EVP's will be *very* quiet and hard to pick out, though not impossible. It just takes carefully listening for sounds that don't belong.

Also, some universities will allow the public to come in under certain conditions, and you may be able to find someone on a university campus who will allow you to load Audacity onto a machine (unless they have another piece of software for the same purpose).

Headphones for a walkman might work. Just be sure the jack fits the recorder.

EDIT: Mono/stereo... doesn't really matter all that much. People don't speak in stereo.

Answer 5

The player is just as effective if you listen to it through the headphones. There is an option on most digital recorders that allows you to save your recordings, so that if you find something, you can hold on to it. Uploading it onto your computer just makes it easier to section off your recording and eliminate background noise and such, but you don't have to.

good luck!

Answer 6

the advantage of a computer is that you can slow down the speed and you can also save the rrececording