EVP Newsletter - No 23 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: EVP NEWS
Issue: SPECIAL ISSUE
Date: August 1980
Publisher: EVP News
Country: England
Focus: Methods for attempting to receive Paranormal Voices (EVP).

Introduction to EVP

The issue begins with a reflection on the 16 years of research since the "fantastic first voice contact" in the summer of 1959, as described by Friedrich Jurgensón, the discoverer of the electronic voice phenomenon (EVP). Jurgensón emphasizes the profound significance of these voice contacts, comparing the realization of their enormity to understanding the size of a mountain from its foot. Despite the passage of 21 years since the first voice, the full implications are still being grasped.

Skepticism and Support

The article acknowledges that many people still dispute the existence of EVP. David Ellis, a member of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), is quoted from 1974, stating that "natural causes: indistinct fragments of radio transmissions, mechanical noises and unnoticed remarks, aided by imaginative guesswork and wishful thinking" are sufficient explanations for the phenomenon. However, the issue also presents a contrasting view from Richard Sheargold, another SPR member, who, unlike Ellis, conducted his own experiments. Sheargold firmly rejects the idea of delusion, asserting, "No one who was not completely bigoted or utterly ignorant can any longer hold this view. Without the slightest doubt I know from experience the phenomenon is an actuality."

The text criticizes some "so-called critics" who dismiss paranormal voices, often attributing them to "radio transmissions being picked up by the tape recorder" without proper investigation. The author notes that even experienced researchers have sometimes received voices that are "obviously 'normal'," including one instance involving Dr. Konstantin Raudive.

Equipment and Methods

The publication provides practical guidance for those wishing to attempt EVP recording.

Equipment:

• Tape Recorder: An ordinary cassette or reel-to-reel tape recorder is sufficient. The type and make of radio are irrelevant.
• Microphone: Essential for recording.
• Headphones: For listening during playback.
• Domestic Radio: Used in conjunction with the tape recorder.

A warning is issued about using poor quality tape recorders, as electrical faults might be misinterpreted as paranormal voices. It is recommended to always use factory-fresh, good quality tapes and never re-record over existing material.

Methods:

1. Microphone Method:
* Set up the tape recorder with the microphone plugged in.
* Record your own voice, making introductory remarks that detail the time, place, date, method, who is recording, and who you are addressing (e.g., "Good evening my friends, I would be very grateful if you could try and talk to me").
* Keep the tape running for ten, fifteen, or thirty minutes. Longer recordings are discouraged as they make playback and examination more difficult.
* At the end, thank the entities and leave a short gap before switching off the recorder.
* Recent research suggests that complete silence is not necessary, and paranormal voices may be dependent on the existence of normal sounds, with audio frequencies being "paranormally manipulated."

2. Radio Method:
* A microphone and radio are plugged into the tape recorder.
* The tuning of the radio is important. Some researchers tune between stations, while others seek blank spaces.
* The "Jurgenson Frequency" (around 1480 kHz) is mentioned as a precise spot used by European researchers, often between Radio Moscow and Radio Vienna, though it may be blocked in some countries for political reasons.
* Medium wave, long wave, FM, and short wave are suggested for experimentation.
* Start with introductory remarks via the microphone, then switch to the radio for a few minutes.
* You can occasionally switch back to the microphone to ask questions or retune the radio. The advantage of this method is hearing voices directly over the radio, allowing for immediate interaction.

3. Radio Microphone Method:
* The microphone is placed a short distance from the radio speaker.
* This method records radio noise, your voice, and room noises. It is considered popular due to its simplicity and frequent success.

Other Methods:

Less known methods, such as the "paranormal telephone" or "Dial M for Mother," are mentioned, encouraging researchers to develop their own variations.

Playback and Identification

Recognizing Paranormal Voices:

• Content: A voice identifying itself as Konstantin Raudive from beyond the grave, or calling your name, is a strong indicator.
• Rarity: The odds of a radio station calling your name during recording are millions to one.
• Audibility: Voices are often not loud and may require patient listening (three or four times) to detect.
• White Noise: Disciples of Raudive carefully check white noise for faint voices, while others like Jurgenson and Cass believe that if a voice isn't heard the first time, it's not significant.

The author favors a "middle of the road attitude," listening patiently for faint voices that might contain information, but cautioning against over-analysis that could lead to misinterpreting meaningless noises.

Conclusions and Further Information

The author admits to having received only a few voices personally but bases the information on data collected over three years as Editor of EVP News and correspondence with researchers worldwide. The intention is to share this information with the public.

The origin of the voices and how they transmit remains an ongoing problem, with the hope that readers might shed light on these aspects if they achieve contact.

For further information, readers are invited to write to the publisher, who will attempt to connect them with relevant books, tapes, or people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration and methodology of Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP). The editorial stance is one of encouragement for research, acknowledging skepticism while championing the validity of EVP based on the experiences of numerous researchers. The publication aims to demystify the process and provide practical steps for individuals interested in attempting to make contact with paranormal voices. The underlying message is that while the phenomenon is real and significant, its full understanding is still evolving, and continued investigation is necessary.