Guidelines to Properly Record EVP

1.  Use only new high grade tapes if using analog.  DO NOT use
previously used tapes as a bleed over may occur.  In my opinion any
digital recorder will work.  It is all personal preference.  

2.  Some recommend an external microphone.  This may cut down on
any internal noises from analog recorders.  When using a digital recorder this is personal preference
as I have captured EVP both with and without an external microphone with digital.  
DO NOT whisper, hum, or make any unnoted noise as this may be
confused as spirit communication.

3.  Note your name, location, the time, and weather conditions.  This
may be helpful when reviewing evidence.

4.  Let your recorder run10 seconds after turning on recorder before
beginning interactive work, follow up by 10 seconds of silence before
ending your session. Doing so will give way to capturing any spirits
without disruption.  Leave a 10-15 second pause between questions.
This allows the spirits time to respond.  
.
5.  If you must talk while on an investigative site, use a normal voice
when conducting EVP.  Try to eliminate any unneeded long
conversations as it makes filtering a bit frustrating.  
If you must chat, speak with your fellow investigators in a clear voice.  
Pause as you speak -give time for the spirits to respond to the
conversation. Chat about the location, or anything related to the
location. Spirits seem to enjoy putting in their own comments.

6.  Always ask permission to communicate.  These are people you are
speaking with, be respectful.  Do not taunt or mock the spirits that may
be present.  

7.  Ask for any spirits present to talk loudly and clearly.  

Explain you are able to hear them when you play back the device.  

8.  Speak as if you know they can communicate.  Ask questions such
as "What is your name?"  "Why are you here?" "Is there someone
present?"  Can you give me a sign of your presence?"  Ask questions
you would of any person you are curious about. Be Respectful!

9.  There are several software programs used for filtering EVP.  Again
it is all personal preference.  You can find some of these programs at
downloads.com.  Feel free to email any reputable investigative team such as
San Antonio Paranormal Network.  These teams should guide and be helpful in answering
any questions you may have. Cool Edit Pro is a popular audio editing
program among analysts.

      Keep an open mind and positive attitude while conducting EVP
sessions.  The most important element is to be respectful of the
properties and locations.  Never trespass to conduct research.  Not only
is it disrespectful, but is illegal and gives a bad name to other credible
investigators in the field.

History & Concept

Electronic Voice Phenomenon, in short, is known as EVP and it
refers to noises or voices thought to be those of spirit communication.  
The sounds are picked up through recording devices such as digital or
analog voice recorders.  Researchers believe EVP is a way in which
communication with the dead is captured using direct questions known
as interactive sessions, or by placing a recording device in a contained
location.
 
      The exact history on the origin of EVP can be a topic of debate.   
What is clear is that Thomas Alva Edison in the 1920's worked on a
device he felt would capture that of spirit voices.  Unfortunately, before
Edison's work was completed, he passed away.   Sir Friedrich Jurgenson
in 1959 recorded what he noted as his deceased mothers voice on a
reel to reel recording device. Jurgenson captured over 100,000 voices
of the dead.  His work was studied using analysis and found to be of an
unknown paranormal source.  He is known as the father of EVP for this
reason. George Meek developed a device called Spiricom in 1982.  This
device enabled two-way communication with the dead.  Many
researchers and scientists throughout the years have noted
documentation and research of devices where voices are captured of an
unknown paranormal source.   These documented works have helped
pave the pathway to today's continued research.  

There are classes that EVP are rated on:

Class A EVP: is where the voices captured is clear; and understood by
all who listen. Everyone that listens to the recording should agree on
what is being heard.   This recording does not need amplification or
enhancing using a sound editing program.  It should be clearly heard
straight from the recording device.  It does not need to be loud, only
clear. Class A EVPs are the rarest to record.

Class B EVP: is very low and most people agree on what is being said.
These will fall into the Class B category.  These EVPs might not be
understood by everyone who listens or may be heard as something
completely different by other people that listen.  The voice must be fairly
clear and easy to determine what most of the words are when
analyzing.  This is the most common class of EVP captured.

Class C EVP: is among the poorest quality. It is very hard to understand
what is being said even with software enhancement.  The investigator
knows it is an EVP and human sounding voices can clearly be heard in
the background noise.  The problem is nothing can be noted as a
factual statement.