Understanding ITC and EVP: Key Differences in Paranormal Communication
- Psychic Medium Karenš¹
- May 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Many paranormal enthusiasts mistakenly interchange Instrumental Trans Communication (ITC) and Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP). However, they are fundamentally different methods of spirit communication.
What is ITC?
ITC refers to "real-time" communication with spirits using electronic devices. These devices allow for immediate interaction with the other side. ITC includes:
Spirit Boxes or Ghost Boxes: Devices that scan radio frequencies to generate spoken words.
Video ITC: Captures spirit images through screens or reflective surfaces.
Software-based ITC: Applications designed specifically for spirit communication.
Light-based ITC: Utilizing lasers or LEDs to detect anomalies.
ITC allows spirits to manifest audibly or visually in real time, creating a dynamic experience.
What is EVP?
EVP stands for "Electronic Voice Phenomenon." It captures disembodied voices on recording devices. Unlike ITC, EVP has distinct characteristics:
Voices are not heard during recording; they are discovered during playback.
It does not involve external devices like radio scanning or specific applications.
Often requires noise reduction or amplification for better clarity.
EVP is viewed as a more controlled and scientific method since it eliminates external interference.
Common Misconception: Spirit Boxes vs. EVP
A major misconception in paranormal research is mistaking Spirit Box recordings for genuine EVP. A true EVP is a voice imprinted onto a recorder without artificial assistance. Spirit Boxes, while effective for ITC, rely on radio frequency sweeps; this can introduce false positives in recordings.
The confusion between ITC and EVP has a significant impact on paranormal research, influencing credibility, methodology, and public perception. Hereās how:
1. Credibility Issues
When investigators mislabel Spirit Box recordings as EVP, it weakens the credibility of their research. EVP is generally considered a more controlled phenomenon because it does not rely on external radio frequencies. Misidentifying ITC as EVP can lead skeptics to dismiss valid findings.
2. Misinterpretation of Data
Since ITC involves real-time communication, responses may be influenced by background noise or radio interference. Conversely, EVP represents an imprint discovered during playback. Confusing the two can result in flawed analysis. This makes distinguishing genuine paranormal voices from false positives much harder.
3. Skepticism & Scientific Acceptance
Paranormal research faces skepticism as it is. If investigators fail to differentiate between ITC and EVP, it reinforces doubts about their findings. Scientific communities demand repeatable and controlled experiments. EVP is often viewed as more reliable due to its structured approach.
4. Ethical Concerns
Some researchers intentionally blur the lines between ITC and EVP to enhance how compelling their findings appear. This can mislead audiences and damage trust within the paranormal community. By maintaining clear distinctions, we uphold ethical standards and ensure honest reporting.
5. Impact on Investigative Techniques
Investigative teams that do not differentiate between ITC and EVP may adopt inappropriate methods for their inquiries. For instance, relying on Spirit Boxes for EVP research can introduce bias and contamination, complicating efforts to validate results.
How EVP Works
EVP recordings typically occur when investigators use audio recorders in a quiet setting. They ask questions and later review the playback. The captured voices can vary from whispers to full sentences and often respond to questions or make cryptic statements.
Characteristics of EVP
Not heard during recordingāonly revealed upon playback.
May be faint or distorted, often requiring amplification or filtering.
Generally briefātypically a word or short phrase.
May respond to questions, hinting at intelligent interaction.
Can appear in different languages or a mix of languages (polyglot EVPs).
Possible Explanations
EVP is widely debated, with theories ranging from paranormal origins to psychological and technical explanations:
Paranormal Theory: EVP voices are believed to stem from spirits trying to communicate.
Auditory Pareidolia: The brain misinterprets random sounds as speech.
Radio Interference: Stray radio signals may be unintentionally recorded.
Equipment Artifacts: Background noise or static can create misleading sounds.
History of EVP
EVP research dates back to the 1940s, when Attila von Szalay sought to record spirit voices. The phenomenon gained traction in the 1970s thanks to Konstantīns Raudive, who documented thousands of EVP recordings.
EVP vs. ITC
Unlike Instrumental Trans Communication (ITC), which facilitates real-time spirit interaction through devices like Spirit Boxes, EVP is passive. It is an imprint discovered after recording. This distinction is crucial in paranormal research.
There have been numerous notable EVP recordings that have fascinated both researchers and skeptics alike. Here are a few chilling examples:
1. The āDonāt Go in the Basementā EVP
During a 2011 investigation at The Cafe Sport in Swinton, Greater Manchester, paranormal researchers captured an EVP that seemed to warn them against entering the basement. Strikingly, the group's skeptic, standing by the recorder, did not hear anything during the recording.
2. The Suicide Bridge EVP
Pasadena, Californiaās Colorado Street Bridge, known as Suicide Bridge, is infamous for its numerous tragic incidents. Investigators recorded an EVP that sounded like a demonic voice, further enhancing the bridgeās haunted reputation.
3. The Haunted Doll EVP
A doll named Carol Anne is believed to be haunted, with paranormal investigators capturing EVPs of her speaking. Some recordings reveal whispers and responses to direct questions, making her one of the most famous haunted dolls.
4. The Central New York Ghost Hunters EVP
In 2007, the Central New York Ghost Hunters investigated an old hotel and recorded one of the most terrifying EVPs to date. The audio featured sounds of a struggle, a male voice pleading for help, and even the ticking of a clockādespite no clock being present in the venue.
5. Konstantin Raudiveās EVP Experiments
In the 1960s, Latvian parapsychologist Konstantin Raudive conducted EVP experiments, claiming to have recorded voices of historical figures like Hitler and Stalin. His work greatly advanced the popularity of EVP research.
Scientists often approach Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) with skepticism, viewing it as a product of psychological and technical factors instead of paranormal activity. Here are key perspectives:
1. Auditory Pareidolia
Many scientists suggest that EVP constitutes a form of auditory pareidolia. In this phenomenon, our brains interpret random sounds as recognizable speechāmuch like seeing faces in clouds.
2. Equipment Artifacts
Recording devices may capture radio interference, static, or background noise, which could be misinterpreted as voices. Some EVP recordings contain distorted sound, which seems to form words when amplified or filtered.
3. Psychological Influence
Research indicates that expectation bias can influence EVP interpretation. If a person is told what a recording says, they are more likely to hear that phrase. Controlled experiments often require blind testing for verification.
4. Controlled Experiments
Some researchers have performed controlled EVP experiments to minimize external noise and interference. While a few studies report unexplained voices, mainstream science remains doubtful due to the absence of verifiable, repeatable results.
5. Skepticism in Academia
EVP is largely regarded as pseudoscience within academic circles. While paranormal investigators persist in studying it, scientists insist on the necessity of rigorous methodologies to eliminate natural explanations.
GUIDE TO CONDUCTING AN EVP SESSION
Conducting EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) recordings safely requires careful preparation, controlled environments, and ethical considerations. Hereās a step-by-step guide to ensure a safe and effective EVP session:
1. Choose the Right Equipment
Use a high-quality digital recorder capable of capturing uncompressed audio (PCM or WAV format).
Avoid using smartphones, which may introduce interference.
Consider external microphones for enhanced clarity.
Use noise-canceling headphones for analyzing recordings more effectively.
2. Select a Quiet Location
Find a location with minimal background noise (no traffic, electronics, or chatter).
Turn off radios, TVs, and other devices that could create false positives.
If outdoors, steer clear of windy spots or areas with excessive ambient noise.
3. Set Up Your Recording Session
Place the recorder on a stable surface to prevent movement noise.
Begin by announcing the date, time, and location into the recorder.
If working with a team, ensure everyone remains silent and still during the session.
4. Ask Clear Questions
Speak clearly and slowly, allowing for 10-15 seconds of silence between inquiries.
Avoid leading questions. Instead, pose open-ended ones (e.g., āCan you tell us your name?ā).
If any team member makes a noise, they should immediately acknowledge it to reduce misinterpretation.
5. Review Your Recording Carefully
Listen to the recording using headphones in a quiet environment.
Use audio software for enhancing faint sounds, but avoid excessive filtering.
If you hear something unusual, compare it to background noise to rule out interference.
6. Ethical Considerations
Always respect the location and any spirits you may be in contact with.
Avoid being provocative or challenging to entities.
If you feel uncomfortable or witness unusual activity, terminate the session immediately.
7. Keep a Log of Your Findings
Document the time, location, and conditions of each EVP session.
Note any unexplained sounds and compare them across multiple recordings.
Share findings responsibly while avoiding exaggerated claims.
Famous ITC Sessions
Bridging the Gap Between Real-Time Spirit Communication and Paranormal Research
ITC (Instrumental Trans Communication) has produced some of the most influential spirit communication cases, shaping paranormal investigations around the globe. Below are notable ITC sessions demonstrating how spirits might interact with electronic devices.
1. The Scole Experiment (1993-1998)
One of the most revered ITC experiments occurred in Scole, England. Researchers claimed to receive messages, images, and even physical objects from spirits. Using spirit boxes, video ITC, and light-based communication, this experiment was extensively documented and serves as a landmark case in ITC history.
2. The Spiricom Device (1980s)
Created by George Meek and used by William OāNeil, the Spiricom was designed to enable two-way communication between spirits and the living. OāNeil reported having direct conversations with a deceased scientist, Dr. George Mueller, who purportedly offered technical tips for enhancing the device. Although controversial, Spiricom is considered a significant milestone in ITC research.
3. Marcello Bacciās Radio ITC Sessions
Italian researcher Marcello Bacci performed ITC sessions using old vacuum tube radios, capturing real-time spirit voices. Witnesses claimed they heard immediate responses to questions, bolstering the credibility of his experiments. His work remains widely discussed among ITC researchers.
4. The Luxembourg ITC Experiments
In the 1980s, paranormal investigators Jules and Maggie Harsch-Fischbach conducted ITC experiments in Luxembourg using television screens and audio devices. They reportedly captured spirit images and voices, including messages from deceased loved ones. Their research illustrated how ITC diverges from EVP, highlighting the interactive communication methods.
5. Friedrich JĆ¼rgensonās Accidental Discovery
Swedish filmmaker Friedrich JĆ¼rgenson inadvertently recorded spirit voices while documenting bird sounds in the 1950s. His unexpected findings prompted him to explore EVP and ITC, earning him a place among the pioneers of paranormal voice recordings. His efforts laid the groundwork for future research in this fascinating field.
ITC - Employing Alternative Techniques for Spirit Manifestation
Similar to the 2012 image, this method involved using smoke to invite a spirit to reveal themselves. The spirit appeared unmistakably in the rising smoke from an incense stick. The distinct detail of the facial features provides compelling evidence against the dismissal of pareidolia.
Other techniques of ITC can include water, wax, steam, and fire.
Hopefully, this explanation clarifies the differences between ITC and EVP. Engaging with the other side can be rewarding, but it's essential to respect their choice whether or not to come through. If they do, that's wonderful! If not, donāt be disheartenedāsometimes contact takes time.
Stay blessed,
Karen
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