Discover the best EVP recorder with the GhostMag team and EVP researcher Eamonn Vann-Harris. From laptops to mobile phones and voice recorders, here’s our top devices for recording spirit communication.
EVP recorders, Voice Recorders or Electronic Voice Phenomenon recorders, have become an essential tool for paranormal investigators and ghost hunting enthusiasts alike.
These specialised devices capture audio frequencies that are often undetectable by the human ear, allowing users to record and analyse potential spirit communication. The appeal of EVP recorders lies in their ability to provide concrete evidence of the paranormal, making them an exciting addition to any investigation.
Within the world of EVP recorders, there are a wide variety of options, making it essential to identify your individual needs and the desired functionalities. Some EVP recorders offer features such as advanced audio analysis software, noise reduction capabilities, and extended recording times. Others may prioritise easy-to-use interfaces, portability, and price.
When selecting the best EVP recorder, the key factors to consider include the audio quality, storage capacity, and ease of use. Audio quality is of utmost importance, as clear recordings will make it easier to decipher and interpret potential paranormal activity.
Storage capacity is another notable factor, as longer investigations may require extended recording times to capture every possible audio occurrence. Lastly, ease of use should not be overlooked, as navigating through a recorder’s features smoothly and efficiently can greatly impact your overall investigating experience.
With these essential factors in mind, we spent numerous hours assessing and comparing EVP recorders to determine the top options that cater to the varying needs of paranormal investigators and enthusiasts.
Best Voice Recorders for Recording EVPs
We have compiled a list of the top EVP recorders to help you capture high-quality electronic voice phenomena. Explore our selection below to find the perfect device for your paranormal investigations.
Philips DVT4110 Voicetracer
A top choice for those seeking a high-quality EVP recorder with intuitive features and impressive audio clarity.
The Voicetracer is a popular choice among paranormal investigators. The Yorkshire Ghost Guy, who investigates haunted locations told GhostMag: “A lot of my early and favourite EVP captures are ‘natural’ EVPs recorded on a Philips Voice Tracer”.
GhostMag editor Matt also captured a disembodied voice whispering ‘no’ into the microphone of a VoiceTracer, which was recorded during a vigil in the caves below the Galleries of Justice in Nottingham.
Pros
- Outstanding audio clarity with 3-microphone system
- Easy remote control and sharing through smartphone app
- 8 GB built-in memory, expandable via memory card slot
Cons
- Requires proximity to the sound source for optimal quality
- Complicated interface for some users
- Discontinued speech recognition software
The Philips DVT4110 Voicetracer is an exceptional EVP recorder, boasting a 3-microphone system that captures audio with superb clarity. We found that recording lectures and seminars yielded amazing results, though it’s crucial to position the device close to the lecturer for the best quality. The compatibility with a smartphone app for remote control and sharing is a welcome addition, simplifying the process of organising recordings.
However, we also experienced some complexities with the interface, which might be challenging for users who aren’t tech-savvy. The device might take some time to understand and utilise effectively, but once mastered, it provides unparalleled recording quality for the price. Additionally, the product literature advertises Philips Speech Recognition Software DVT2805, which has been discontinued, but this does not affect the overall performance of the recorder.
Overall, the Philips DVT4110 Voicetracer is a fantastic purchase for those seeking a reliable, high-quality EVP recorder. Despite some minor drawbacks, the impressive audio clarity, remote control capabilities and expandable memory make this device a worthwhile investment.
Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder
The Zoom H5 is a great choice for those seeking a versatile and high-quality EVP recorder with a range of useful features.
Pros
- Interchangeable input capsules for versatile recording
- Shock mounted mics for reduced handling noise
- Four-track simultaneous recording capability
Cons
- Requires 2 AA batteries for power
- Limited storage capacity (up to 32GB)
- Potential compatibility issues with non-Zoom input capsules
We recently had the chance to try out the Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder and found it to be an impressive piece of kit for capturing EVP recordings. The interchangeable input capsules set this device apart, allowing users to easily switch between options to suit various recording situations, like swapping camera lenses.
The included XYH-5 capsule offers extended signal capacity and shock-mounted mics, which help to reduce handling noise – a significant advantage for those capturing EVPs in quiet environments. Furthermore, the four-track simultaneous recording capability allows for multi-channel recordings, expanding the recorder’s usefulness.
On the downside, the H5 runs on two AA batteries, which may be inconvenient for some users. However, this does not detract from the overall performance of the device. Additionally, storage capacity is limited to 32GB SD/SDHC cards, so you may need to manage your recordings frequently to ensure you don’t run out of space.
Lastly, although the H5 is compatible with all Zoom input capsules, users have reported potential compatibility issues when using non-Zoom capsules. Despite these minor cons, we found the Zoom H5 to be a highly effective and user-friendly EVP recorder well-suited for multiple purposes, including audio for video, music, and podcasting.
Tascam DR-05X Portable Audio Recorder
The Tascam DR-05X is a reliable choice for anyone looking to purchase a top-notch EVP recorder due to its sound quality and versatility.
Pros
- High-quality audio recording in MP3 and WAV formats
- USB audio interface for Mac and Windows compatibility
- Timer function and dictation mode for voice recordings and transcriptions
Cons
- Requires separate purchase of power supply for non-battery usage
- Limited built-in speaker performance
- Backlight duration may fall short for some users
We recently used the Tascam DR-05X Portable Audio Recorder and found it to be an impressive device that offered clear and crisp audio recording for EVPs. The device supports MP3 (up to 320 Kb/s) and WAV files (up to 24-bit/44.1/48/96 kHz), allowing us to choose the optimal format for our needs. The recording media options include micro SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (up to 128 GB) ensuring ample storage space for lengthy recordings.
The DR-05X can be used as a USB audio interface for both Mac and Windows, providing more versatility and convenience for transferring files. The built-in omnidirectional microphones can handle sound pressure levels of up to 125 dB and the low-cut filter with 40/80/120 Hz options assists in reducing unwanted frequencies during recordings.
Some additional features we found helpful were the timer function and dictation mode, which are perfect for capturing clean and clear voice recordings or transcriptions. However, we did notice that the built-in speaker is not as powerful, and the backlight duration might be limited for some users’ preferences.
A drawback we must mention is the requirement of purchasing a separate power supply if choosing not to use batteries. Despite that, the Tascam DR-05X is overall an excellent EVP recorder that performs well and offers numerous useful features for capturing high-quality sound.
EVIDA 32GB Digital Voice Recorder
The EVIDA 32GB Digital Voice Recorder is an excellent choice for various recording needs with its clear audio and numerous features.
Pros
- Clear PCM recording with noise-cancelling microphone
- Large storage capacity (32GB) for extensive recording hours
- Voice-activated options and adjustable decibels
Cons
- May pick up background noise
- Formatting issues experienced by some consumers
- Confusing instructions for new users
We recently tested the EVIDA 32GB Digital Voice Recorder, and we were impressed with its performance. Featuring an upgraded noise-cancelling microphone with a professional recording chip, this device captures crystal-clear 1536Kbps premium quality sound – ideal for lectures, meetings, and conversations.
The 32GB storage capacity in this voice recorder is substantial, accommodating up to 2324 hours of recording or 10,000 songs. Moreover, the battery life is remarkable, with up to 54 hours of continuous recording between charges.
The voice-activated recorder function is another notable feature, as it has six different voice decibel levels. This configuration helps the recorder capture speaking voices only, reducing the presence of blank space and whispers in the audio.
However, we did notice that in louder environments, the recorder might pick up background noise. Additionally, some users reported formatting issues, which could be frustrating to deal with.
Another downside is the potentially confusing instructions for those inexperienced with voice recorders. It might not be as user-friendly as one might expect, but with some practice, the device’s overall performance compensates for the learning curve.
In conclusion, the EVIDA 32GB Digital Voice Recorder is a reliable and versatile choice for both professional and personal use. Despite some minor drawbacks, its clear audio recording and abundance of features make it an excellent investment.
Sony ICDPX470 Digital Voice Recorder with USB
A must-have EVP recorder for its great audio quality and convenient USB connectivity.
Pros
- Impressive audio clarity
- Easy USB file transfer
- Long battery life
Cons
- Slightly bulky design
- Limited audio format options
- No Bluetooth connectivity
We recently had the chance to use the Sony ICDPX470 Digital Voice Recorder for our EVP recordings. The sound quality was impressive as it captured clear and crisp voices without any background noise. This made us confident in our findings when reviewing the recordings later.
The recorder comes with a USB connector, making file transfer to our computers a breeze. We didn’t need any additional cables, which kept our workspace clutter-free. Plus, it was quite energy-efficient; we didn’t have to frequently change the batteries during our long recording sessions. Along with its 4096 GB memory capacity, we were able to store countless EVP sessions without worrying about running out of space.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the recorder’s design is a bit bulky, making it less discreet than some other available options. Additionally, while it supports WMA and MP3 audio formats, some other formats aren’t compatible. Finally, we noticed the absence of Bluetooth connectivity, which could have been useful for wireless audio playback.
Overall, the Sony ICDPX470 Digital Voice Recorder is a solid choice for capturing EVP. Its excellent audio quality and user-friendly USB connectivity make it an asset for paranormal investigations or recording interviews and lectures. Though it has a few minor drawbacks, we believe its benefits far outweigh its shortcomings, making it a valuable tool for anyone seeking a reliable EVP recorder.
Using a Laptop for EVP Recording
In addition to dedicated EVP recorders, some paranormal investigators prefer to use laptops with software such as Adobe Audition or Audacity for EVP recording. This approach offers advanced capabilities and the flexibility to customize settings according to individual preferences.
Eamonn Vann-Harris, an EVP expert, researcher, and star of Most Haunted, shared his perspective on using laptops for EVP recording with GhostMag: “I know they aren’t the best in terms of logistics, but they are much more advanced than most recorders and less likely to suffer from intrusion. Technology is always improving though, and I guess it’s also which recorder a ghost hunter feels best suits them.”
Read: Conversations with the Dead? An interview with EVP expert Eamonn Vann-Harris
While using a laptop may have some logistical challenges compared to dedicated EVP recorders, the advanced features and capabilities of audio software can enhance the recording and analysis process.
With software like Adobe Audition or Audacity, users have greater control over recording settings, noise reduction, and audio manipulation, which can be beneficial for capturing and analyzing EVPs.
It’s important to note that using a laptop for EVP recording may require additional equipment, such as external microphones or audio interfaces, to ensure optimal audio quality. Additionally, careful consideration should be given to the positioning of the laptop to minimize any interference or unwanted noise.
Ultimately, whether to use a dedicated EVP voice recorder or a laptop with audio software is a personal choice. Both options have their advantages and considerations, and it’s essential to select the method that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Using a Mobile Phone for EVP Recording
In addition to dedicated EVP recorders and laptops, mobile phones have become a popular tool for capturing EVPs. Audio recorders are inexpensive, but the voice recorder built into most modern mobile phones is also suitable for EVP recording.
The convenience and versatility of using a mobile phone make it an accessible option for capturing potential spirit communication.
On recent investigations at the incredibly active former RAF control tower at Coleby Grange near Lincoln, we believe we have captured spirits responding to our questions on an iPhone. Check out the following EVP GhostMag editor Matt captured below. In the clip, you can hear a male voice whisper ‘No’ to our question (at around 9 seconds)!
While mobile phone EVP recordings may not offer the advanced features and settings of dedicated EVP recorders or laptops, they can still yield significant results. It’s important to ensure that your phone is in airplane mode or has cellular signal disabled during recordings to minimize potential interference.
Remember to position the phone close to the source of potential EVP activity and conduct your sessions in quiet environments for optimal recording quality. With the right conditions and a bit of luck, mobile phones can serve as a convenient and effective tool for capturing EVPs during paranormal investigations.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best EVP recorder, there are several features to consider that will help you capture high-quality recordings and make your experience more efficient. In this buying guide, we will be discussing the essential aspects to look for in an EVP recorder without mentioning specific brands or products.
Audio Quality
The most critical factor to consider is the audio quality of the recorder. A good EVP recorder should provide a high-resolution sound recording with minimal background noise. Look for devices with a wide frequency range and sensitivity settings that can capture subtle EVPs more effectively.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity is crucial, as it determines how many recordings you can store on your device at once. We recommend choosing a device with ample storage, preferably one that supports expandable memory through SD cards, to ensure you can save as many recordings as needed without having to transfer files continually.
Battery Life
Long battery life is vital when conducting EVP sessions, as you wouldn’t want your recorder to die in the middle of capturing evidence. It’s essential to choose a device with a long-lasting battery, and preferably one that uses rechargeable batteries to save on costs over time.
User Interface and Ease of Use
A user-friendly interface is essential when choosing an EVP recorder. Look for devices with intuitive navigation, clear displays and easy-to-access buttons to minimise fumbling during recordings. Some recorders may also come with built-in speakers, allowing you to review recordings on the spot without needing additional equipment.
Additional Features
Some EVP recorders come with useful extra features that can enhance your paranormal investigations. Noise-reduction technology, voice activation, built-in preamps and multiple recording formats are just a few of the options available. Consider which of these features are most important to you and find a device that offers the best combination for your needs.
By paying attention to these essential features, you will be well on your way to choosing the best EVP recorder for your paranormal investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When searching for an EVP recorder, it’s essential to consider features like high sound quality, user interface, and ability to record in a range of environments. Look for a device with a low noise floor and adjustable recording settings to ensure crisp, clear audio captures.
Several EVP recorders claim to have superior sound quality, such as the Zoom H4n Pro, TASCAM DR-05X, and Sony PCM-A10. These devices typically offer low noise floors and multiple recording formats to provide the best possible sound clarity during investigations.
Yes, there are EVP recorders available at various price points. The Olympus VN-541PC and the EVISTR L53 are popular choices for those seeking affordable yet reliable devices. While they may not have all the advanced features of more expensive models, they still deliver clear audio recordings.
Ghost hunters often recommend recorders such as the Philips Voicetracer, Zoom H4n Pro, TASCAM DR-05X, and Sony PCM-A10 due to their high sound quality and versatility. However, preferences can vary depending on individual needs, so it’s vital to compare devices and read reviews from experienced users.
Start by identifying your specific requirements and budget. Then, research various brands and models to find those that best meet your needs. Compare features, read reviews from experienced users, and consider recommendations from fellow investigators. Also, try to test out different devices in person if possible.
Several prominent EVP recorder brands include Zoom, TASCAM, Sony, Olympus, and EVISTR. These manufacturers are reputable for producing reliable and high-quality audio equipment. It’s advisable to explore different models within each brand to find the one that suits your needs best.
