Beginner’s Guide to EVP: Capturing Voices from Beyond the Grave
Ever sat in a quiet room and sworn you heard a whisper that didn’t belong to anyone living? That, dear reader, might have been an EVP — and welcome to your first step into the weird and wonderful world of ghost hunting!
Whether you’re a full-blown believer or a curious sceptic, this guide will walk you through the mysterious realm of Electronic Voice Phenomena, also known as EVP, and how you can start capturing your own spooky recordings.
🎙️ What Is EVP?
EVP stands for Electronic Voice Phenomena — sounds or voices that are said to be of paranormal origin, captured on audio recording devices. They typically:
- Are not heard at the time of recording
- Appear only during playback
- Sound like whispers, words, or even full sentences
These ghostly voices have become a paranormal investigation staple and are frequently used in shows like Ghost Adventures and Paranormal Lockdown.
🔬 Is It Real?
Paranormal enthusiasts believe EVPs are messages from spirits, while sceptics attribute them to:
- Auditory pareidolia (our brain “hearing” words in random noise)
- Radio interference
- Background sounds misinterpreted
But whether you’re a believer or just looking for a fun late-night scare, EVP recording is an exciting entry point into the world of ghost hunting.
🕰️ A Brief History of EVP
- 1959: Swedish film producer Friedrich Jürgenson accidentally recorded voices while taping bird songs — voices he believed were his deceased parents.
- 1970s: Latvian psychologist Konstantīns Raudive made over 100,000 recordings, claiming to hear messages from the dead.
- Today: EVP is widely used in paranormal investigations, often in haunted places like asylums, old castles, and battlefields.
🎧 Types of EVP (Yes, There Are Levels)
Paranormal researchers often classify EVPs into 3 levels:
Class A
- Clear and loud
- Understandable without enhancement
- Rare (and thrilling!)
Class B
- Audible but faint
- May need headphones or slight enhancement
- Common during amateur sessions
Class C
- Very faint or distorted
- Often open to interpretation
- Still spooky, but may just be noise
🧰 What You’ll Need to Start Recording EVP
Getting started doesn’t require expensive gear. In fact, you probably already own a basic EVP tool — your smartphone!
But for better quality and credibility, here’s a beginner-friendly ghost hunting kit (with Amazon UK links):
🎤 Digital Voice Recorder
✅ Affordable and reliable
✅ Better than your phone mic
✅ Battery-efficient
📦 Sony ICD-PX470 Digital Voice Recorder – Amazon UK
🎧 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
✅ Helps isolate whispers during playback
✅ Essential for reviewing faint Class B & C EVPs
📦 Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – Amazon UK
🔦 Optional: EMF Detector
While not required for EVP, many ghost hunters use EMF meters to detect unexplained electromagnetic fluctuations (a possible sign a spirit is nearby).
📦 K-II EMF Meter Ghost Hunting Detector – Amazon UK
📍 Where to Record EVP
You don’t need to break into a Victorian asylum (please don’t). Try:
- Historical landmarks (with permission)
- Cemeteries (respectfully and during visiting hours)
- Your own home (especially if it’s giving those vibes)
- During a ghost tour or public paranormal investigation
🎙️ How to Conduct Your First EVP Session
- Choose a quiet spot
Avoid places with heavy background noise. - Start recording
Press record and announce yourself:
“My name is [Your Name], I mean no harm. Is there anyone here who wishes to speak?” - Wait 10-20 seconds
Leave space for any response. Don’t talk over it. - Ask simple questions like:
- “What’s your name?”
- “Did something happen here?”
- “Can you tell me the year?”
- Record for 5–10 minutes
Keep sessions short — spirits are shy (and battery-draining). - Play back with headphones
Listen for strange sounds or whispers that weren’t audible during the session.
EVP Pro Tips
- 🔁 Record multiple sessions in the same location
- 🕯️ Try sessions at night or during “the witching hour” (3:00 AM)
- 📓 Keep a log of locations, questions asked, and any strange experiences
- 📵 Turn off phones and electronics to avoid interference
❗ EVP Etiquette & Safety
- Never provoke or insult spirits
- Don’t trespass on private property
- If something feels too intense, stop.
EVP is fun, but it can feel very real
Real EVP Clips to Check Out
Want to hear what actual EVPs sound like? Try these (headphones recommended):
Ghost Adventures: Best EVP Captures
UK Ghost Hunt: Pendle Hill EVP Session
Final Thoughts: Are They Talking to Us?
Whether you believe in spirits or just want a fun spooky experience, EVP is a thrilling gateway into the paranormal. It blends tech with mystery, and who knows? You just might capture a voice from beyond the veil.
So grab your recorder, head to your favourite haunted spot, and start asking questions. Just don’t be surprised if someone answers…e differently forever.
💬 Share Your Experience
Have you tried EVP? Caught something spooky?
Leave a comment below — or tag us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok @HalloweenUK with your ghostly stories and photos! Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest as well!
