Hi Guys

Would it be possible to come up with some sort of signal device to show that we have a EVP signal , that means any change in sound levels can be seen on some sort of small dial or display maybe if it can be connected between the mic and the dictaphone , would be great to know .

regards
ian

Hi
I will deffernatly give it ago see if i can come up with something. abit like the neddles on a old record player that goes up and down to the music for example or like an equalizer on itunes? same thing i spose.

Matt

The only thing I can think of that will visibly show any change in noise levels from an average EVP would be on a laptop with a spectral frequency display while recording. Any other way of monitoring sound levels, apart from listening, would be difficult because there would be constant disturbance through static and ambient sound and an EVP would probably not be distinguishable, in fact most EVPS have to be amplified anyway, so it's likely they would go completely unnoticed.

This is an example of what I'm talking about:



Listen to the EVP here: http://www.robbleech.com/uploads/misc/innerbreath.wav

Notice how quiet it is and how it appears on the spectral frequency display. With a trained eye maybe anomalies like these can be spotted visually. However this is a very easy one to spot, it can get quite messy!

If you have a pda or mobile running windows media there's a few options have a look at these links

http://www.4pockets.com/product_info.php?p=55
http://virtins-pocket-spectrum-analyzer.smartcode.com/info.html
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=9071

considering how little the cost is for a pda these days, its well worth thinking about.

I've got a wm6.5 on my phone and tried a demo it works a treat, just need to get the funds together to get a version of the above (I think i can use my phone purely as a PDA as well.)

or what about one of these
http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedProducts/Detail/Anritsu/MS2721B_Spectrum_MasterHandheld_Spectrum_Analyzer/43321/0?fromSpotlight=1&paidFromBricklet=1&fromAreaId=1464

So John, do you think that it is possible to visually 'see' an EVP?

I don't think it's practical in the field, due to all the other variables when you are looking out for such small sounds, but what is your opinion?

Cheers,

Robb

u can get the sounds level recorders so u can see if a sound is made but like u said robb the evps are so quiet, u will have to have an ultra sensitive device to pick them up but hay worth a shot see if it is possible.

Matt

I reckon take it along and try it, no harm done otherwise. while the recorders are running we could ask a question if not direct response is heard the metre may pick something up, we could then make a note during the EVP session that it spiked at a certain frequency or something. Or we could run the spectral analyser in realtime and look for sound energy. its worth a try

Cool, lets do some experimenting then!

This is a great idea..

I have been thinking bout this all day since I saw it posted this morning.

An illuminated sound level meter (the LED type rather than a moving needle) would be much more practical in a dark room and would be viewable by all nearby. Would even be seen in any video footage if it was in front of a camera.

This method will take a bit of trial and practice to see if it works out.. Not all EVP's are quiet.. so you should be able to see results quite soon. Just because we don't hear it does not mean that a sound level meter wont.

Another thing we have to consider is frequencies. EVP's might be coming through on something other than just normal sound waves.. this could explain why we don't always hear them but electronic gear does.

As a further extension of this type of device, you could have a set of IR soundlevel lights sat in front of any locked off night cams..
This would help to do a few things.. It would show if anyone approaches the cam from behind in order to manipulate the evidence.. they would not see the sound level lights flashing but the cam would and footsteps would appear obvious.

The IR lights would also not scare off anything nearby and would maintain total darkness. They will act as good visual marker for locked off EVP work in the same location.