EVP Evidence

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP)

     One of the very best tools for researching the paranormal is the voice recorder. Since spirits are associated with electromagnetic energy, they are evidently able to bypass a recorder's circuit that convert audio stimuli into electrical impulses by impressing their messages directly onto the matrix of the digital recorder or audio tape. That is why an investigator will not normally hear ghostly voices at the research site until the recording is played back or downloaded to a computer for analysis. These eerie voices comprise Electronic Voice Phenomena or EVP for short. SCOPE prefers to use digital recorders for this research. We also utilize Audacity software for EVP analysis. Its waveform structure and editing tools allow us to selectively eliminate background noise, filter out interference, and amplify the paranormal voices and mysterious sounds. Investigators rank the quality of EVP recordings according to a system of classification as follows:
     Class A: Excellent sample...clearly understood, requires little or no software enhancement or amplification.
     Class B: EVPs usually fall into this category. Audio software can make the sample understandable through amplification, noise reduction, and an assortment of filters. With this treatment, some recordings can often be brought up to the quality of a Class A. Usually, however, certain parts of the recording may be interpreted differently by the listeners.
     Class C: Lacks overall integrity and is usually thrown out as supportive evidence. Audio software fails to make the sample understandable or loud enough to be taken seriously as evidence.
       The following are several examples of EVP along with brief descriptions of circumstances that triggered the paranormal responses. Click on the speaker symbol to start EVP. For brevity purposes, PI in the text signifies "paranormal investigator". Volume may have to be adjusted for each sample and earphones will enhance the sound.

Neschanic Reform Church Cemetery, NJ--- Analog EMF meter registered a surge at this site. PI recorded this voice saying "Begone!" For more on this investigation see Weird NJ, Issue #34, May 2010, "Daylight Ghosthunting" by Tom Petuskey

Lambertville High School Ruin, NJ---PI stood in doorless entryway on first floor and shouted, "Hello!" A voice that we suspect was that of a teacher's ghost responded, "Have to teach you some rules!"

Tuckerton Methodist Cemetery, NJ---This is one of the EVPs recorded while a PI was reading the inscriptions on the tombstones. "Kiss Me!"

Sachs Bridge, Gettysburg, Pa. A battle site.

PI asked, "We'd appreciate it if you could speak with us tonight!" Voice responded,
"Are you guys Union?"

PI asked,"We'd like to know if you are from the Union side or the Confederacy."
Voice says, "This is the Union, and we would like your password!"

Bedroom of a private residence. PI introduced himself and another team member. Response was "Run!" Then a faint beep from the trimeter is heard followed by "Run away!"

Graveyard chapel on the island of Iona, Inner Hebrides, Scotland. PI said, "All right, we're leaving now!"
Voice said, "Hold it!"

Site of the Battle of Culloden. On April 16, 1746 the Jacobite army under Bonnie Prince Charlie were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland. 1500 to 2000 Jacobites were killed versus 50 British troops. EVP says, "Who died here?"

"Here they come!" Other sounds are the PI's footsteps across the battlefield.

Backyard of private residence. "My son lives here!"

Bathroom in the International Museum of Spiritual Investigations, IMSI, in Gettysburg where the Civil War era building allegedly houses a female spirit that was involved in a hair-pulling incident. A PI from the NJGHS asked a question that exacted a "No!" response.

Elks Club, East Brunswick, NJ. Seance. Participant asks spirit to come to the table. Sound of footsteps (amplified).

Private residence in northern New Jersey. PI asked spirits to approach and touch instruments that were placed on a livingroom table (trimeter w/alarm, K2 meter, and geophone). Suddenly the alarm sounds and the K2 lights advance. After the alarm was reset, a rough, raspy voice says, "There's your proof!"

Shanley Hotel, Naponach, NY. Dating back to the 1800's, this hotel had a rich an varied history. Originally a hotel that hosted the likes of Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt, its storied past included illegal booze, mobsters, a brothel, and several deaths. Our investigation included members of the New Jersey Ghost Organization and the Central Jersey Paranormal Research Group. This EVP was captured on the unrenovated third floor in a room reputedly frequented by a member of the mob. First you will hear a gunshot followed by the last gasp of the victim. Another muffled sound (2nd gunshot?) is heard immediately afterward.

PI asks what year it is. Man's voice says "Nineteen-oh-five!"

Full spectrum image in an 1830's house in Central
New Jersey. When probing for EVPs, investigators try to extract names or descriptions that further research may connect with the house's past history. Here, a New Jersey Ghost Organization investigator working with SCOPE obtains the name "Hennessy."

Same house, but this time we recorded a description. "He's a gardener!"