Understanding ITC vs. EVP
- Psychic Medium Karenš¹
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read

Many paranormal enthusiasts mistakenly interchange Instrumental Trans Communication (ITC) and Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP), but they are fundamentally different methods of spirit communication.
What is ITC?
ITC refers to "real-time" communication with spirits using electronic devices.
This includes:
- Spirit Boxes or Ghost Boxes (scanning radio frequencies to generate spoken words)
- Video ITC (capturing spirit images through screens or reflective surfaces)
- Software-based ITC (apps designed for spirit communication)
- Light-based ITC (using lasers or LEDs to detect anomalies)
ITC allows spirits to manifest audibly or visually in real time, making it an interactive experience.
What is EVP?
EVP, on the other hand, is 'an imprint of a disembodied voice' captured on a recording device. Unlike ITC, EVP is:
- Not heard in real timeāit is discovered upon playback.
- Not assisted by external devices like radio scanning or apps.
- Often requires noise reduction or amplification for clarity.
EVP is considered a more 'controlled and scientific' method because it eliminates external interference.
Common Misconception: Spirit Boxes & EVP
One of the biggest misconceptions in paranormal research is mistaking Spirit Box recordings for EVP. A true EVP is a voice imprinted onto a recorder without artificial assistance. Spirit Boxes, while useful for ITC, rely on radio frequency sweeps, which can introduce false positives.
The confusion between ITC and EVPĀ has a significant impact on paranormal research, affecting credibility, methodology, and public perception. Hereās how:
1. Credibility Issues
When investigators mislabel Spirit Box recordings as EVP, it undermines the integrity of paranormal research. EVP is considered a more controlledĀ phenomenon because it does not rely on external radio frequencies. Misidentifying ITC as EVP can lead skeptics to dismiss legitimate findings.
2. Misinterpretation of Data
Since ITC involves real-time communication, responses can be influenced by external noise or radio interference. EVP, on the other hand, is an imprintĀ that is discovered upon playback. Confusing the two leads to flawed analysis, making it harder to distinguish genuine paranormal voices from false positives.
3. Skepticism & Scientific Acceptance
Paranormal research already faces skepticism. When investigators fail to differentiate between ITC and EVP, it reinforces doubtsĀ about the validity of their findings. Scientific communities demand repeatableĀ and controlledĀ experiments, and EVP is often seen as more reliable due to its structured methodology.
4. Ethical Concerns
Some researchers intentionallyĀ blur the lines between ITC and EVP to make their findings seem more compelling. This can mislead audiences and damage trustĀ within the paranormal community. Clear distinctions help maintain ethical standards and ensure honest reporting.
5. Impact on Investigative Techniques
Paranormal teams that do not differentiateĀ between ITC and EVP may use inappropriate methodsĀ for their investigations. For example, relying on Spirit BoxesĀ for EVP research can introduce biasĀ and contamination, making it harder to validate results.
How EVP Works
EVP recordings typically occur when investigators use audio recordersĀ in a quiet environment, asking questions and later reviewing the playback. The voices captured can range from whispers to full sentences, often responding to questions or making cryptic statements.
Characteristics of EVP
Not heard during recordingāonly discovered upon playback.
Can be faint or distorted, requiring amplification or filtering.
Often brief, typically a word or short phrase.
May respond to questions, suggesting intelligent interaction.
Can be in different languagesĀ or even 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 is believed to be voices of spirits attempting to communicate.
Auditory Pareidolia: The brain interprets random sounds as speech.
Radio Interference: Stray radio signals may be unintentionally recorded.
Equipment Artifacts: Background noise, clothing rustling or static can create false positives.
History of EVP
EVP research dates back to the 1940s, with early experiments by Attila von Szalay, who attempted to record spirit voices. The phenomenon gained popularity in the 1970s, thanks to Konstantīns Raudive, who documented thousands of EVP recordings.
EVP vs. ITC
Unlike Instrumental Trans Communication (ITC), which involves real-time spirit interactionĀ 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 several notable EVP recordingsĀ that have intrigued paranormal researchers and skeptics alike. Here are a few chilling examples:
1. The āDonāt Go in the Basementā EVP
During a 2011 investigationĀ at The Cafe Sport in Swinton, Greater Manchester, paranormal researchers recorded an EVP that seemed to warn themĀ not to enter the basement. The eerie part? The groupās skeptic, who was standing next to the recorder, did not hear anythingĀ at the time of recording.
2. The Suicide Bridge EVP
Pasadena, Californiaās Colorado Street Bridge, also known as Suicide Bridge, has been the site of numerous tragic deaths. Paranormal investigators recorded an EVP that sounded like a demonic voice, adding to the bridgeās haunted reputation.
3. The Haunted Doll EVP
A doll named Carol AnneĀ is believed to be haunted, and paranormal investigators have captured EVPs of her speaking. Some recordings include 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 HuntersĀ investigated an old hotel and captured one of the most terrifying EVPsĀ ever recorded. The audio contained sounds of a struggle, a male voice asking for help, and even the ticking of a clockādespite there being no clock in the hotel.
5. Konstantin Raudiveās EVP Experiments
In the 1960s, Latvian parapsychologist Konstantin RaudiveĀ conducted EVP experiments and claimed to have recorded voices of historical figures, including Hitler and Stalin. His work helped popularize EVP research
Scientists generally approach Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP)Ā with skepticism, viewing it as a product of psychological and technical factors rather than paranormal activity.
Here are some key perspectives:
1. Auditory Pareidolia
Many scientists argue that EVP is a form of auditory pareidolia, where the brain interprets random sounds as recognizable speech. This phenomenon is similar to seeing faces in cloudsāour brains naturally seek patterns in noise.
2. Equipment Artifacts
Recording devices can pick up radio interference, static, or background noise, which may be misinterpreted as voices. Some EVP recordings contain distorted sounds that, when amplified or filtered, seem to form words.
3. Psychological Influence
Studies suggest that expectation biasĀ plays a role in EVP interpretation. If a person is told what a recording says, they are more likely to hear that phrase. This is why controlled experiments often require blind testing.
4. Controlled Experiments
Some researchers have conducted controlled EVP experiments, eliminating external noise and interference. While a few studies report unexplained voices, mainstream science remains unconvinced due to the lack of repeatable, verifiable results.
5. Skepticism in Academia
EVP is widely regarded as pseudoscienceĀ in academic circles. While paranormal investigators continue to study it, scientists emphasize the need for rigorous methodologiesĀ to rule out natural explanations

GUIDE TO CONDUCTING AN EVP SESSION
Conducting EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) recordingsĀ safely requires careful preparation, controlled environments, and ethical considerations. Hereās a step-by-step guide to ensure a safe and effectiveĀ EVP session:
1. Choose the Right Equipment
Use a high-quality digital recorderĀ that captures uncompressed audio (PCM or WAV format).
Avoid using smartphones, as they may introduce interference.
Consider external microphonesĀ for better sound clarity.
Use noise-canceling headphonesĀ to analyze recordings more effectively.
2. Select a Quiet Location
Choose a location with minimal background noiseĀ (no traffic, electronics, or chatter).
Turn off radios, TVs, and other devicesĀ that could create false positives.
If outdoors, avoid windy areas or places with excessive ambient noise.
3. Set Up Your Recording Session
Place the recorder on a stable surfaceĀ to prevent movement noise.
Start by announcing the date, time, and locationĀ into the recorder.
If working with a team, ensure everyone remains still and silentĀ during the session.
4. Ask Clear Questions
Speak clearly and slowly, leaving 10-15 seconds of silenceĀ between questions.
Avoid leading questions (e.g., āAre you a ghost?ā) and instead ask open-ended ones (e.g., āCan you tell us your name?ā).
If any team member makes a noise, they should immediately acknowledge itĀ to prevent misinterpretation.
5. Review Your Recording Carefully
Listen to the recording using headphonesĀ in a quiet space.
Use audio softwareĀ to enhance faint sounds but avoid excessive filtering.
If you hear something unusual, compare it to background noiseĀ to rule out interference.
6. Ethical Considerations
Always respect the location and any spiritsĀ you may be communicating with.
Do not provoke or challengeĀ entities aggressively.
If you feel uncomfortable or experience unusual activity, end the session immediately.
7. Keep a Log of Your Findings
Document the time, location, and conditionsĀ of each EVP session.
Note any unexplained soundsĀ and compare them across multiple recordings.
Share findings responsibly, 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 compelling spirit communication cases, shaping paranormal investigations worldwide. Below are some of the most notable ITC sessions, demonstrating how spirits may interact with electronic devices.
1. The Scole Experiment (1993-1998)
One of the most famous ITC experiments took place in Scole, England, where researchers claimed to have received messages, images, and even physical objectsĀ from spirits. Using spirit boxes, video ITC, and light-based communication, the experiment was extensively documented and remains a landmark case in ITC history.
2. The Spiricom Device (1980s)
Invented by George MeekĀ and used by William OāNeil, the SpiricomĀ was designed to facilitate two-way communicationĀ between spirits and the living. OāNeil claimed to have had direct conversationsĀ with a deceased scientist, Dr. George Mueller, who allegedly provided technical advice for improving the device. Though controversial, Spiricom is regarded as an important milestoneĀ in ITC research.
3. Marcello Bacciās Radio ITC Sessions
Italian researcher Marcello BacciĀ conducted ITC sessions using old vacuum tube radios, capturing real-time spirit voices. Witnesses claimed to hear direct responses to questions, adding credibility to his experiments. His work remains widely discussedĀ among ITC researchers.
4. The Luxembourg ITC Experiments
In the 1980s, paranormal investigators Jules and Maggie Harsch-FischbachĀ conducted ITC experiments in Luxembourg, using television screens and audio devices. They reportedly received spirit images and voices, including messages from deceased loved ones. Their research helped demonstrate how ITC differs from EVP, emphasizing interactive communication methods.
5. Friedrich Jürgensonās Accidental Discovery
Swedish filmmaker Friedrich Jürgenson unknowingly recorded spirit voices while documenting bird sounds in the 1950s. His unexpected findings led him to explore EVP and ITC, becoming one of the pioneers of paranormal voice recordings. His work laid the foundation for future research in the field.

ITC - Employing alternative techniques for Spirit manifestation
Similar to the image from 2012, this method involved using smoke to invite a Spirit to reveal themselves. The spirit appeared in the rising smoke of an incense stick. Observe the distinct detail of the facial features. Such undeniable clarity confirms the dismissal of pareidolia.
Other methods of ITC can consist of water, wax, steam and fire.
hope this helps explain the difference between the two better. Keep it real and enjoy the interactions with the other side, but always respect their choice whether or not to come through, if they do wonderful! If they don't, don't get disheartened, sometimes contact takes time.
Stay blessed
Karen
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