Why do paranormal investigators advise against voice activated devices for capturing EVPs ?

Question

I'm experimenting with a transmitter that only works with a push-to-talk button, or voice activation (VOX). I am using the VOX mode, hoping the ghost will trigger the microphone and produce EVP. I am using a walkie talkie as the receiver. If I ask the ghost to produce a brief sound to trigger the transmitter before delivering the message, will that work?

Answer 1

I prefer to run my audio on voice activation.  That way, when you are listening to the replay, you don't have so much to listen to that is just garbage like someone burps,sneezes or coughs.  

I have never tried to set up like you are describing.  But thats the whole point to investigation.  Experiment to see what works best for you.

Answer 2

the voices are in the static or a little more than the static,

the VOX features only work if you have a very clear signal that is way above the static.

it is hard enough to talk with a person using VOX, doing it with a ghost is unlikely to work.

people get things to work that everyone thought would never work, so if you really want to, give it a try.

Answer 3

VOX is not in sound spectrum or frequency range to clearly capture sound of a Ghost that is mute to naked ears.

Answer 4

when i get voices on mine they are so low that i dont think they would trigger a voice activated recorder

Answer 5

It depends on the individual researcher. Some use the voice activation and some do not. There are really no hard fast rules in this  interest except to be rule out all possible natural occurrences before claiming something is paranormal.

Most people I know prefer to not use the voice activation but that is just personal preference.

Whatever you decide to use is alright and if it works you will keep using it and if not you will change.

Answer 6

I don't use VOX for the reason you mentioned.  Your experiment sounds interesting.  I am just wondering how you will be sure that you are collecting EVP rather than hearing someone else on your walkie that is using the same frequency?    

Answer 7

1. I know of no paranormal group that recommends against VOX.

2. The three top groups I researched all said to use VOX if it was available.

I own the RP5120 and it starts instantly with no lag and never trims words.

You would be better off reading some real ghost hunting information from proper sites than asking the wrong questions here.

Answer 8

Digital voice recorders of better/best quality seem to respond better in the VOX mode.  Although its appealing to set the recorder in this mode...as a huge time-saver...it is best to allow a continuous recording.    Many investigators set a Q & A time aside during their investigation.  This is fine...but keep the tape rolling thru out your investigation.  We have MANY recordings of Spirits commenting on us and our conversations before and after the EVP sessions.  Ask your fellow investigators not to whisper.  When reviewing tape, it may be misconstrued.  Also, analog recorders can record the actual mechanical movement of the recording mechanism.  It is essential to attach an external microphone to avoid this commonplace problem.  

Happy Hunting!!!  

Answer 9

In addition to the answers given about static thresholds and volume, most of the EVP's that I've captured over the years have been typically less than a second in length. A VOX starts after the beginning of speech, which can cut off or even completely eliminate some EVP's.

In any case, not hearing the beginning of the EVP might render it unclear as to meaning or even unintelligible.