A Bit About EVP

After an investigation, reviewing audio is crucial. It’s a long process, but one that more than pays off when you come across a voice that wasn’t heard by investigators at the time of the investigation, which is known as an EVP or Electronic Voice Phenomenon.

I’m currently using a small Sony digital recorder to capture audio during investigations. I love its small size and that it allows for multiple folders in which to store audio. Also, it has a port on the side that allows it to be connected to a computer USB port for easy download. I’m a Mac user, which is generally fabulous, but unfortunately this particular device doesn’t allow direct export to Mac. However, I can connect to a PC, download the files to Dropbox, and I’m ready to review from my MacBook. Also, I always make a copy of the original audio and listen to the copy. This leaves an original intact, allowing me to use the copy to isolate individual sections of audio that may contain EVPs and not worry about impacting the initial file.

Listening to hours of digitally recorded audio takes a great deal of concentration. I personally find it useful to catch up on sleep post-investigation before delving into review, and make sure to take breaks at least once an hour to keep myself from falling into the grips of listening fatigue. While different investigators may have different preferences regarding types of headphones for reviewing audio, I think we can all agree that they’re necessary. Computer speakers, even good ones, don’t allow you to fully immerse yourself in the audio, so they just plain don’t cut it. I find that earbud-style headphones are the best for me to pick up on subtleties in the audio and better decipher whether they are EVP or something in the physical environment that can be explained. Others may prefer an over-the-ear style, but these don’t quite meet my needs. I haven’t tried noise-canceling headphones, but some online reviews claim these can cause distortion due to the technology used to cancel outside noise, so you may end up missing subtle elements of the audio.

Recently, I’ve been using a free trial version of Wave Pad by NCH Software to review audio from an investigation. I really like the simple layout and navigation of the program, and find it really user-friendly, especially since I’m not very experienced with computer sound editing programs. The full version of Wave Pad is enticing, but I’m not quite ready to drop $70+ for the Standard or Master’s edition. I’ve also had some success using Audacity, which is a free download. However, I find its interface a bit clunky, though I would probably enjoy it more if I experimented with it further.

If I hear something within the audio file that sounds like it may be an EVP, I like to briefly pause the playback, quickly jot down the timestamp and what I think I heard, as well as the location we were in at the time of the recording. Next, I select a bit of the file that includes the potential voice in question, and copy it to a new file, then rename the file. I like to include the location information, date, and a brief description of the sound in the file name. After I’ve reviewed all the audio and pulled out any potential EVPs, I like to revisit each clip I copied to a new file in greater depth afterward, to see if I can distinguish any clear words, or if I can reasonably dismiss any of them as caused by a team member or another aspect of the environment. It can be tough to distinguish between paranormal and possibly explainable, so when in doubt, I know I can email clips to my team members for another opinion!

Have any tips for reviewing audio evidence? Or recommendations of fabulous equipment you like to use? Let me know in the comments, on Facebook or on Twitter!

A Tavern Tale

Photo via Talbott Tavern and Jennifer Singleton

Since 1779, Talbott Tavern (also known as The Old Talbott Tavern) has been serving up food, drink, and lodging to travelers making their way through Bardstown, Ky. With the distinction of being the oldest bourbon bar in the world, as well as continuously operating at the same location and in the same stone building, the tavern has a colorful past that has seen many historical figures pass through its doors. It was at one time owned by Jim Beam’s brother, T.R., and Abraham Lincoln and his family once stayed there. Murals pained on walls upstairs to this day have bullet holes from where Jesse James shot them.

The tales of ghostly paranormal activity in the tavern are likely as old as the building itself. Patrons are said to have seen apparitions of Jesse James walking the halls and a lady in white standing beside beds or looking out windows. Others have noted items being misplaced and found later in odd locations, sounds of unexplained music, moving dining tables, and more.

If you find yourself in Kentucky, perhaps a stay in Bardstown would be just the place to go for a glimpse of history, some good bourbon, and maybe even some paranormal phenomena.

Conjuring Up a Good Scare

Friday night, my best friend and I decided to catch a showing of The Conjuring at our local theater, only to find out that the showing was sold out–not totally surprising, seeing how it led the box office its opening weekend. So, my excitement for this movie only grew and my friend’s fright escalated, I’m pretty sure. Last night, we made it to a showing and settled in for scares. Looking back, I was probably a little overconfident that I wouldn’t be completely scared (I believe “It’ll probably be more disturbing than scary, honestly,” were my exact words).

Prior to seeing the movie, I knew it would center around the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, arguably the most well-known and respected researchers this field has seen, and a family experiencing a host of skin-crawling paranormal activity in their new farmhouse. However, I purposely avoided looking up spoilers or a synopsis, as I all too frequently do, and also fought the urge to research the Perron family (the family of seven who seek assistance from the Warrens).

The film is based upon events experienced by the Perrons and the Warrens, and begins with a brief but chilling glimpse of a story that intrigued me when I first read about it several years ago–the story of the Annabelle doll. This background story gives a bit of background into the Warrens’ experiences for those who may not otherwise have known.

The focus shifts to the Perrons moving into a large farmhouse in rural Rhode Island. However, an unsettling feeling soon sets in on the viewer and on the Perrons: the family dog refuses to set foot in the home, clocks stop at 3:07 each morning, and not to mention all the mysterious bumps (and claps) in the night. The film pulls no punches, and the activity inside the home escalates, to the point that the family members fear for their own lives. Mrs. Carolyn Perron seeks out the Warrens during a lecture, and although reluctant, Ed and Lorraine come to aid the family. As the dark and terrifying history of the home and the land upon which it sits comes to light, the forces haunting it become even more dangerous to the Perrons and Warrens, leading up to an all-out war for the soul of one family member in particular.

The Conjuring features a great cast with one of my favorite actresses of the moment, Vera Farmiga, who is excellent as Lorraine Warren. Farmiga also stars in A&E’s series, Bates Motel, which will return for a second season in 2014 (can’t wait!). Ron Livingston–of Office Space fame–plays Roger Perron, while Patrick Wilson takes on the role of Ed, and Lili Taylor portrays Carolyn. Also, the real Lorraine Warren makes a cameo in the scene where Carolyn seeks the Warrens’ assistance. If scary, suspenseful, based-on-a-true-story movies are up your alley, go see this film. But if creepy movies tend to make you afraid to go to sleep afterward, I might recommend a matinee showing!

Image via NC Hollywood

Road Trip Readiness

Last month, I was lucky enough to join a wonderful paranormal research group based here in Springfield, MO. I’ve now been part of two investigations with this team, and boy, does it feel great to work with such a diverse, professional, and research-focused group of people. Each team member brings a unique skill set and unique background, but our interest in the paranormal and helping those experiencing activity is the basis of our bond.

As both investigations so far have entailed road trips, I’ve learned quickly that there are necessities beyond equipment (though that’s quite important as well!) that can make a long night of investigation more comfortable.

• Snackage!! – Go for easy-to-transport, low-mess options if at all possible. I personally love cheese and cracker packets, chips (the multi-variety packs are great), mixed nuts or trail mix, and I’m especially loving bringing along some Sour Patch Kids or Cherry Sours. Single-serving packets are good for quick refueling. Side note: Always be respectful to the location and its caretakers by removing all of your trash once you wrap up the investigation. Even if it’s no longer occupied and other people have left their trash behind, it’s not an excuse to leave more litter. It’s common sense, but worth noting.
• Hydration – Always, always bring plenty of water. Gatorade or other electrolyte-filled drinks can also offer a pick-me-up, especially if the location is multi-storied or just has a lot of ground to cover. You can ice down a cooler for the trip and have team members store their drinks for easy access during the investigation.
• Caffeine (if you’re into that sort of thing) – I, for one, can’t go anywhere (slight exaggeration) without some Diet Dr. Pepper. The 8 oz. mini-cans and 12 oz. mini- bottles are my go-to, and take up less room in the cooler. For the next hunt, I’m thinking a couple of bottled iced coffee drinks may be a good addition as well.
• Layers – Even if it’s scorching hot, it could cool down in the late night/wee morning hours. I like to bring along a lightweight fleece jacket just in case, or a long sleeve t-shirt at minimum. When it cools down, a bulkier coat will be great for outdoor investigations. In general, I prefer to wear jeans for investigations no matter the weather, especially because I can be klutzy anyway, and walking around in dark and sometimes dilapidated places at night could be dangerous.
• A second set of footwear – If you’ll be in an indoor location, this may not be necessary. I usually start an investigation wearing tennis shoes, but bring a pair of sturdy boots (and extra socks!) just in case. This is especially helpful if the location has multiple buildings you will be traveling between or if the weather is a tad on the wet/muddy side.
• Bug repellant spray – Whether the location is outdoors or a structure that’s been sitting empty for a while, you will likely encounter insects of varying levels of creepiness. Spritz on some Off! or something similar to keep mosquitoes, etc. from making you into a buffet.
• Camp potty, t.p., handi wipes – Not every location is going to have working plumbing, which makes those that do all the more wonderful. Portable camp potties can be set up near base camp (preferably in a separate room if possible!) or in a secluded area if you’re in an outdoor location. Remember to put a roll of t.p. nearby, as well as some handi wipes or hand sanitizer.

While you’re packing, it may feel like you’re bringing too much, but in my experience, it’s the small details that make the experience of investigation more enjoyable all around. Your group can coordinate on many of these items so you aren’t bringing along unnecessary multiples.

Any other items you have to bring on your investigations? Let me know in the comments, tweet me, or give me a shout on Facebook!