I read a thread recently on another paranormal forum I'm on wherein the OP wondered why most every "good" EVP that people offer up for scrutiny is only from a direct source like a digital recording device and rarely, if ever, from a different source like a video recording. There were many explanations offered, except the most simple answer. Video recorders are notoriously poor sound recorders. Whenever a movie is made, part of the editing that is done is to add in the sounds that even the most sophisticated video cameras cannot pick up: the sound of someone running, coins jingling in someone's pocket, the snap of a finger. So if even the most sophisticated equipment that is used in Hollywood won't pick up faint sounds very well, it stands to reason that an EVP will only be picked up well by a digital recording device.
Thoughts? Rebuttals?
What a good observation! Makes sense to me. I have a digital recorder but it has a flaw, in that it is sound activated if you leave it on in the attempt to catch a EVP. It will record the question but I have never gotten a ghostly response. So I wonder if the otherside is not strong enough to trigger the recorder to record.
Well, usually with a video camera, you are trying to capture physical activity such as shadows, moving objects, and or apparitions. That is probably why sounds can't be caught unless its something big moving or really loud knocks.
Maybe your digital recorder is just a little too high-tech, Pitch?
I have never been called too high tech. LOL
There are still some teams that use tape recorders with good result. The problem with tape recorders is you MUST use a microphone to get away from the motor noise. Also tape has been known to stretch which can change what you think your evp is saying. I personnally like sony ds 30, 40, 50's as you can plug in a good set up head phones and listen while you record. The Zoom H2 and H4's are better yet but a bit pricey. Video cameras can be improved with an aftermarket microphone, I do recommend to use video cameras while you are doing evp work to back up what you catch or debunk it.
(06-04-2009 07:01 PM)UglyNRude Wrote: [ -> ]There are still some teams that use tape recorders with good result. The problem with tape recorders is you MUST use a microphone to get away from the motor noise. Also tape has been known to stretch which can change what you think your evp is saying. I personnally like sony ds 30, 40, 50's as you can plug in a good set up head phones and listen while you record. The Zoom H2 and H4's are better yet but a bit pricey. Video cameras can be improved with an aftermarket microphone, I do recommend to use video cameras while you are doing evp work to back up what you catch or debunk it.
What originaly got me in to EVPs was a sound I heard on a tape recording. Years later I now generaly only use my Olympus. However, I do some investigations with a friend of mine who does use a tape recorder, and it can be interesting to compare results.
Just remember when ever you do EVP work with a tape recorder to use a microphone so you don't capture the sound of the electric motor and the tape wheels. Also one other negative with tape is the stretching that occurs can alter the sound.
I must confess, I have never tried to get an EVP myself. I have heard whispers my whole life, but I just knew if I tried to capture it on tape, it would pick that time to shut up. But I have always been interested in EVP's and there are some that I've heard that are absolutely chilling. I know to do it would require a lot of patience, as not all spirits want to cooperate or let themselves be known to everyone.
(06-18-2009 02:01 PM)scarygirl67 Wrote: [ -> ]I must confess, I have never tried to get an EVP myself. I have heard whispers my whole life, but I just knew if I tried to capture it on tape, it would pick that time to shut up. But I have always been interested in EVP's and there are some that I've heard that are absolutely chilling. I know to do it would require a lot of patience, as not all spirits want to cooperate or let themselves be known to everyone.
I've had a lot of luck in cemetaries as far as EVPs go. You have a very mixed bag of residual and intelligent energy. True, some spirits may not want to be seen or heard, but there are also those that are desperate and want to make human contact.