Recording Sound in Paranormal Investigations

This is a summary of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR)'s guide for recording sound in paranormal investigations.


Why Record?

  • Helps determine if a sound was real, environmental, or a hallucination.

  • Provides verifiable evidence and allows later analysis.

Choosing a Recorder

  • Digital recorders = reliable, easy transfer to computer.

  • Match recorder to purpose: interviews vs. ambient sound.

  • Battery + external power option = flexibility.

  • Extra memory cards = nearly unlimited recording time.

  • External mic input is highly valuable.

  • Avoid overly complex models (missed recordings = lost evidence).

  • Prefer uncompressed formats (.wav) over MP3.

  • Smartphones, tablets, and computers can also work as recorders.

Setup Tips

  • Record in .wav at 44.1kHz / 16-bit minimum.

  • Keep settings consistent across all recorders.

  • Turn OFF noise reduction, filters, and effects.

  • Input/mic gain:

    • Ambient quiet: ~80%

    • Speech/interviews: 40–60%

  • Ensure fresh memory card + full power.

  • Do a test recording (levels, mic working, date/time set).

Microphones

  • Built-in mics = poor, only for notes.

  • Omni-directional: captures all ambient sounds.

  • Directional: isolates specific sounds, reduces distractions.

  • Some mics require phantom power or batteries → check compatibility.

  • Use mic stands to avoid handling noise.

  • Suspension (anti-vibration) mounts help reduce unwanted rumble.

Third-Party Recordings

  • Always ask: Why was it made? What’s on it? Where/when recorded? What device?

  • Prefer unedited originals — edits can remove context.

  • If a file looks altered without reason, treat it as unreliable.

MP3 Files

  • Compressed format → missing audio range, less reliable for analysis.

Extra Tips

  • Place recorder on a bath sponge to reduce vibration noise.

  • When relocating → recheck settings & make a test recording.

  • After battery changes or formatting, confirm settings didn’t reset.


- C.E.

Go to...

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What the Paranormal Is and What It Is Not

Image
What do we really mean when we say something is ‘paranormal’? Misunderstandings are common, and they affect how people talk about, research, and respond to the unexplained. Many people misunderstand what  “paranormal”  truly means. They assume it's anything weird, unscientific, or scary. But to think more clearly and discuss more meaningfully, we must separate the paranormal from things it is often confused with. Here’s a breakdown of the most common mix-ups and how to tell them apart. 1. Paranormal vs. Preternatural vs. Supernatural Paranormal Preternatural Supernatural Beyond current scientific explanation, but possibly explainable someday Rare, uncanny, or seemingly unnatural events that don't break natural law; also, something divine that occurs in nature Outside the laws of nature; divine, godly, or metaphysical Some examples: ESP, UFOs, apparitions, time slips...
Read more

Ano ang Pinagkaiba ng Paranormal Philippines sa ibang paranormal group?

Image
Gusto ng Paranormal Philippines na tulungang maunawaan ng mga Pilipino kung ano ba ang paranormal. Hindi kami isang grupo lang ng mga tao na gustong magexplore o maghanap lang ng tinatawag na "experience" ng thrill. Nais naming ipaunawa sa mga tao na ang mga taong nakakaranas ng paranormal ay hindi nasisiraan ng bait kundi nangangailangan ng tamang tulong. Hindi dapat maging tampulan ng tukso ang mga taong nakakaranas ng paranormal at hindi din dapat husgahan. Ang mga karanasang paranormal ay sanhi ng iba't-ibang bagay at layunin namin na ipaalam sa nakakaranas nito kung ano ang dapat nilang gawin upang matigil na ang nararanasan nilang ito.  Layunin rin naming hubugin ang mga taong gustong yakapin ang kanilang karanasan para makatulong din sa ibang tao. Walang ibang makakaintindi sa mga taong nakaranas din ng mga naranasan namin. Kaya kami nandito para magbigay din ng awareness sa mga tao. Upang dumami ang mga taong nagtutulungan ng walang kapalit na pera o anuman.  Mata...
Read more

Pwede bang maging paranormal investigator kahit walang psychic abilities?

Image
Ans. Ang paranormal investigator ay mayroong common purpose or goals -> alamin ang totoo sa bawat kwento.  Halimbawa sinabi ng kapitbahay mo na may aswang sa bubong, lumabas ka at tiningnan ang bubong, ang ginawa mo ay matatawag nang -> paranormal investigation, dahil tinangka mo or inalam mo kung totoo ang kwento.  Walang batas na nagbabawal sa mga tao na maging paranormal investigator. Kahit sino naman ay pwede. Ang paranormal investigator at paranormal story teller ay MAGKAIBA, ang investigator inaalam niya ang katotohanan at naglalahad ng mga posibleng sanhi ng isang sitwasyon, ang story teller ay agad agad na NAGTUTURO ng sanhi ng isang sitwasyon kahit walang sapat na ebidensya, pinagbibintangan agad nila ang mga engkanto at sinasabing iyon daw ang gumawa ng pagkakasakit ng isang tao. Ang mga paranormal investigator ay mayroong ibat ibang level, or efficiency level, ito yung husay at galing nila na MATUKOY ang eksaktong sanhi ng isang paranormal case, at masolusyuna...
Read more