EVP Newsletter - No 08 INCOMPLETE - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: EVP Newsletter
Issue: May 1978 (Volume 4)
Publisher: Alan Cleaver
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1.20
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the EVP Newsletter delves into the complex world of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), featuring a collection of articles, letters, and experimental reports from researchers and enthusiasts. The central theme revolves around the nature of EVP, the methods and equipment used for recording, and the interpretation of the voices received.

Speculations on EVP by S. A. Andrews

S. A. Andrews opens the issue with "Speculations on EVP," thanking previous respondents and discussing the varied opinions on EVP reception methods. He notes that while some researchers decry the use of microphones alone, others find it the most reliable method. Andrews posits that background noise can be helpful but not essential, and raises a crucial question: if voices wish to manifest, can they do so directly into the recorder, bypassing conventional aerials or microphones? He expresses a preference for hearing directly from researchers within the newsletter community rather than relying solely on published books, which he suspects often crib information without personal experiment. Andrews also questions why, given the reported proliferation of voices, they have not offered explanations of their techniques or how they hear researchers' questions. He notes that even clear recordings require intense acoustic concentration, leading to wonder about the clarity of original recordings.

Recording Equipment by Tony Williamson

Tony Williamson provides a detailed rundown of his equipment for recording EVP. He uses a Kay KCM33 unidirectional microphone, a Bush "Sigma Four" radio receiver (capable of receiving Long Wave, Medium Wave, VHF/FM, and Aircraft bands), an Akai 4000 DS MKll open reel tape deck, a Trio KX-620 cassette deck with Dolby system, and a Philips N2214 portable tape recorder. For amplification, he uses an Eagle A2006 amplifier, and for monitoring, Eagle G3000B headphones. Williamson mentions that prior to the "Sigma Four" receiver, an old "Sobell" radiogram also yielded voices of excellent audibility. He has recorded approximately 500 voices using his condenser microphone, which has its own built-in preamplifier.

Williamson further elaborates on his use of portable cassette recorders, primarily for copying, but notes they can sometimes pick up radio broadcasts, requiring measures like switching off the microphone or wrapping the machine in conductive material. He praises the spool deck for its high signal-to-noise ratio and frequency response, ideal for whisper-type voices. He discusses the advantage of two tape speeds for reproducing EVP at different playback speeds. Williamson stresses the importance of reliability, high signal/noise ratio, and frequency response when purchasing equipment, emphasizing that a system is only as strong as its weakest link. He shares that while he has received voices through radio and interfrequency methods, his best results have come through the microphone, with some voices loud enough to be heard through the recorder's speakers. He is experimenting with using the tone signal from radio stations (around 1,000 Hz) as a sound source for entities to utilize. He has had little success with the diode method described by Raudive and has given it up due to interference from powerful VHF transmitters.

Answers to Questions and Replies

This section features answers to questions posed in a previous newsletter, primarily from Joel Honig, USA, and replies from Gilbert Bonner.

Joel Honig's Answers:

• Hearing Voices: Bad hearing is the main reason people can't hear voices, along with bias against EVP.
• Recorder Type: Cassette recorders are most practical, and battery-powered ones are preferable to line-powered ones to avoid picking up normal signals.
• Microphone Type: Dynamic microphones are preferred, but the difference is not significant.
• Tape Brand: Low-noise, high-output tape is preferred, but specific brands are not critical.
• Radio Wave Band: The radio method is considered virtually worthless for scientific investigation unless conducted under strict laboratory conditions. Raudive tuned to around 1400 kHz for convenience and white noise.
• Voice Reception Timing: Voices come when they want to; reception does not improve after a recording has been running for some time.
• Background Music: Background music is a waste of time and hinders understanding.
• Alternative Hypotheses: While other hypotheses have been considered, the survival hypothesis remains.

Gilbert Bonner's Replies:

• Hearing Voices: Hearing issues might be psycho-acoustic, and training can overcome them. Alternatively, the receiver might be a natural sensitive.
• Recorder Type: Reel-to-reel or cassette recorders work well, with two needed for copying and repeating passages.
• Microphones: Microphones supplied with recorders generally yield results, but more research is needed. A radio-mic used on TV would be interesting to try.
• Wave Bands: Medium or short wave bands are suggested for radio reception.
• Timing: Depends on establishing contact.
• Background Music: Considered, but not proven to be helpful.
• Hypotheses: The survival hypothesis is believed by experienced researchers.
• Paranormal Reality: The paranormal reality of voices is considered 'established'.

Bonner also notes that voices are heard on REPLAY via repeat techniques, and serious research requires patience, time, trouble, sincerity, and sometimes years of dedication. He concludes that "We have linked with another dimension of existence."

First Tentative Experiment by Benny Borrows

Benny Borrows reports on his first tentative EVP experiment conducted on Sunday, April 2, 1978, using the "No 1" method described by Richard Sheargold. Tuning to the 127 mhz aircraft band, he announced his details and requested contact. After initial attempts yielding only white noise and interference, he made a third announcement. During playback of the third segment, he heard a distinct, distant musical voice saying "Oh help mo." Despite the significant white noise, he felt sure he heard a voice. This first inexperienced report encourages him to continue experimenting in a different part of his house to minimize external noise. He suggests the "No 1" method might be equivalent to the "No 3" or interfrequency method.

"VOICES" - THE LETTER PAGE !

This section features a letter from a reader to "Alan" (presumably the editor).

The writer, who is not psychic and has had no success with EVP recordings but is very interested, feels that Mr. Smith's comments (in EVPN no 5) were closer to the truth of EVP. The writer doubts that entities will allow lengthy communication via mechanical means, considering it arrogant to assume they could be commanded. While acknowledging that F. Jurgenson has had conversations lasting up to 20 minutes, the writer notes that the significance of these conversations has not been widely published. The writer disagrees with reducing EVP to molecular biology or anti-matter, as suggested by Gilbert Bonner, finding it too impersonal. The letter also mentions a letter from Thomas Maddock offering useful suggestions for the newsletter, such as identifying equipment that yields best results, best listening times, and exploring the moral aspects of EVP.

Paranormal Music from the 1930s

Nigel Watson of South Humberside reports on a paranormal music phenomenon heard in the early 1930s. A man (RF) in a field near Lincoln experienced classical music coming from nowhere. At a time when portable radios were not common, he theorized that a pylon in a nearby field might have been acting as a radio receiver. The music ceased after a few minutes, and the phenomenon was never experienced again. The source is cited as RF interviewed by N. Watson in October 1971.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently highlights the experimental and speculative nature of EVP research. Key themes include the challenges of recording and interpreting faint voices, the debate over the most effective reception methods and equipment, and the ongoing quest to understand the origin and nature of these phenomena. The "survival hypothesis" is presented as a prevailing belief among experienced researchers, suggesting communication with discarnate entities. The newsletter encourages open discussion and sharing of experiences among its readers, fostering a community of inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded exploration, valuing direct researcher input and acknowledging the difficulties and uncertainties inherent in this field of study. The inclusion of reader letters and experimental reports suggests a commitment to documenting ongoing efforts and diverse perspectives within the EVP community.