Analyzing Sounds in Paranormal Investigation


This is a summary of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR)'s guide to analyzing sounds during a paranormal investigation. 


To learn some causes and types of haunting sounds, see this informative article by the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP)

Purpose

  • Extract reliable info from audio recorded on-site or supplied by witnesses; preserve evidence integrity.

Preserve originals

  • Immediately make a working copy; store the untouched original safely (external drive/cloud).

  • Never edit the original file.

Forensic-style workflow

  • Create a folder per recording + a text change-log named to match the file.

  • Edit one parameter at a time (amplitude, filter, EQ, etc.).

  • After each change: save as a new file with a clear name and log exactly what you did.

  • This creates a reproducible audit trail of your analysis.

Third-party recordings

  • Ask the sender: why, when, where, what device?

  • Check filename pattern — odd or descriptive names (e.g., “ghostvoice.mp3”) can indicate editing.

  • Compare their account with any available metadata; if inconsistent, verify before trusting the clip.

Metadata

  • May include date/time, bit/sample rate, geotag, and user notes.

  • Useful for context and settings, but can be edited or erased — treat as helpful, not definitive.

Listening tests

  • Use blind tests: multiple independent listeners, headphones, no leading prompts.

  • Record responses (include “heard nothing” answers).

  • Avoid group/social-media crowdsourcing (opinion contagion).

Good practice & cautions

  • Don’t make random or heavy-handed edits (reversing, aggressive filters) — they usually mislead.

  • Keep an open, sceptical mind; truly anomalous audio is rare.

  • If you think something significant is present, seek expert review (e.g., SPR) before publicising.

Quick checklist

  • Original secured (external/cloud)

  • Working copy + folder created

  • Change-log started (one edit per file saved)

  • Sender details & context recorded for third-party clips

  • Metadata checked & noted

  • Blind listening tests done & responses saved

  • Expert review sought before publicity (if needed)


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