EVP can be broadly defined by their quality. It is the easiest way to break them down into their constituent types but not the only means by which to do do.
The Typical EVP Classification Scheme
Class A: Easily understood on playback. Can be played over a speaker with most people understanding what is said without issue.
Class B: Typically headphones are required to understand these. Some distortion of voice with warped wording. Class B is the most common type of EVP.
Class C: Characterized by excessive warping. They are the lowest in volume (often whispering) and are the hardest to understand. These require playback, often with looping enable to get the gist of the message.
I have created my own classification scheme which adds on to the existing classical A, B, C scheme. This classification method depends on the tonal and clarity aspects of the EVP to better describe the EVP in terms of not only quality but in terms of voicing aspects.
The Audio Classification Scheme (ACS)
Crystal – Clear voice with tonal qualities similar or exactly as a person sounded in life. Often these have the regional accents of a person as they were in life.
Double – EVPs that have recognizable messages when played in both forward and reverse, often with different messages and sometimes with the same message occurring in forward and reverse play.
Musical – An EVP where the voice sounds like it is singing or spoken with a musical cadence.
Reverse – EVPs with messages that are understandable when played in reverse.
Whisper – EVPs spoken with a whispery or raspy voice. These are usually the most common type of EVP recorded.
For example, a Class-A EVP where the voice is crystal clear and with tonal qualities would be classed as a Class A-Crystal EVP. A whispery voice with a little distortion would be a Class B-Whisper and so on. I feel that these distinctions are important to add so the EVP are more aptly described in writings and analysis work.
The ACS scheme can also allow for a voice with Crystal and Musical classifications. Mix and match and it will add a new level of description to the EVPs in your filing system.
Examples of ACS scheme EVPs
Class A-Crystal
“We Do, Sweet little boy”
This EVP, recorded in October 2008 at the Shingle Springs Cemetery has the tonal qualities of a human speaking combined with a southern accent.
Class A-Musical-Reversed
“Hello Baby. Will you please come with me?”
This EVP was picked up at the Truckee Hotel. The voice is likely that of a call girl who worked at the hotel in the 1800s or early 1900s. This EVP was only sensible after we played it in reverse and then the message was able to be understood. Some EVP record in this fashion and for reasons we do not quite understand.
Class B-Musical
“Rosy”
This EVP was picked up at “The Bookery” in Placerville in 2009. The voice is less distinct and is “sung” by the female spirit. The building was once the home of a bordello.
Class B-Whisper
“Please Help Me”
This EVP was picked up at the Truckee Hotel. The voice is a whispery one and headphones work best to hear it.