Catch A Ghost On Tape

In honor of Halloween, we are taking a quick look into the paranormal world, and the recording and analysis of Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP). With all the little ghosts and goblins about you may want to have a little seance or just listen to the beyond.

EVP Recording

You don't need to be a ghost hunter to try recording an EVP, although being open, polite, and respectful are believed to be factored in success. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Equipment. You need an audio recorder, a headset for when you analyze your recordings, and a touch of patience that couldn't hurt.
• Start somewhere quiet. You don't need to be in a "haunted" location to make your recording, and while some believe background/white noise may encourage paranormal voices when you are just getting started the more traditional quiet location will make analysis easier.
• Recording. Take note of the noises around you as you record so you can rule them out when you analyze the audio later. Also, be sure that you do not have voice-activated recording turned on.
• Ask Questions. One of the most common techniques is to introduce yourself and then ask a series of questions as if you expect a response, with pauses between questions for replies.
• On to the Analysis. When you are done recording it's time to listen for EVP messages.

EVP File Classification

There are three classifications of EVP recordings based on their clarity, and the type of recoding you have will also affect the amount of editing you will need to do. The Classes are:

Class A:  A voice that can be understood without needing headphones and there is general agreement on the content.

Class B:  A voice that requires headphones to hear and not everyone can agree on its content.

Class C:  A voice that requires much filtering and even by wearing headphones nobody can agree on its content.

Analyzing EVP Recordings

The first step is to listen to the original recording from start to finish, making note of when you hear something. Before you start isolating and editing, be sure to save a copy of the original file so you can always go back, or allow people to compare the files.

Chances are you will need to do some audio editing—enter WavePad—to better hear the EVPs on your recording. If you are planning to share your findings remember that the more editing you do the more possible criticism you can get from skeptics. First, you will want to trim the audio file to the sections you took note of. Then common editing done includes amplifying those hard-to-hear sections, possibly removing background noise, and slowing down the EVP since they are often spoken very quickly.

Of course, this is a very cursory look at Electronic Voice Phenomenon, but if you are intrigued by the topic here is a brief list you can explore to learn more and find additional advice on recording and analyzing EVPs from some ghost hunting pros:

• A Brief History of EVPs
• EVP Basics
• Electronic Voice Phenomena Recording Advice
• Tips On Recording EVPs
• How To Increase EVP Captures
• Video Tutorial: Analyzing your EVP with WavePad

Or, if EVPs don’t fascinate you, you can always capture your little gremlins in their costumes on film instead. We have software to help you memorialize the holiday that way too.

Why Do High Sample Rates Sound Better?

Guest post by Rupert Pfaff

Human hearing is generally defined as extending from 20Hz to 20kHz, and the Nyquist criteria state that a sampling rate of at least double the highest audio frequency must be used in order to accurately represent the signal. An unwanted side-effect of analog to digital conversion is 'aliasing', where musically unrelated signal noise enters the audio band, so an 'anti-aliasing' filter is used to prevent this, but because it is not possible to implement an infinitely steep filter, a slightly higher sample rate is used than is theoretically necessary. This is how the CD standard of 44.1kHz came about (a little more than double 20kHz), and DAT took this up to 48kHz to allow varispeed recording.

So if we can't hear above 20kHz, why record at very high sample rates such as 96kHz or even 192kHz? Some have suggested that although we don't actually hear 'supersonic' frequencies, we somehow perceive them by another means, but experiments that artificially add and remove these frequencies have shown this not to be the case. But 'golden eared' tests which have made A/B comparisons of the same equipment operating at standard and high sample rates have revealed that 96kHz & 192kHz recordings do sound subjectively better - so what's going on?

The answer lies primarily with the anti-aliasing filters - even the best-designed filters produce a certain amount of 'ripple' that extends downwards from the cut-off point and gradually tails off, and this is perceived as a 'smearing' of high frequencies and the stereo image. But by moving the cutoff point way up (say to 96kHz), the ripple has all but disappeared by the time it gets down to audio frequencies, and hence, substantially improved sound quality. Importantly though, it follows that this improvement is maintained even after the sample rate has been converted down to normal rates, as no new A/D conversion is required, and therefore, no anti-aliasing filter.

Experienced Recording Studio Engineer Guidelines

In the early days of high sample rate recording, there was a preference for using multiples of the 'CD' frequency (44.1kHz), i.e. 88.2kHz or 176.4Hz - this was because sample rate conversion was a very difficult thing to do at the time, and better quality could be achieved when converting down to 44.1kHz by using an integer multiple. However this is no longer the case, and our usual preferred rate for acoustic recording is 96kHz for a variety of reasons:

• 96kHz is the native frequency of many DVD audio releases
• Although 192kHz does sound a little better than 96kHz, the improvement is marginal
• Some plug-ins do not handle 192kHz audio
• Processing power is reduced to roughly a quarter of that available at 48kHz

That said, if you are working very largely with virtual instruments that have mostly only been sampled at 44.1kHz, and/or you like to use a lot of tracks and processing, it may be more sensible to stick to 44.1kHz. Or if you're making a small classical or jazz recording, you may only need a few tracks and little processing, and want to eke out every last bit of quality you can, then go for 192kHz - let your music make the decision for you.

Rupert Pfaff has worked in the music industry for over 20 years having operated a well known music shop in London before becoming a sound engineer and technical authority for mixing and mastering. Now involved with the day to day running and managing the online bookings for RecordingStudioLondon.

WavePad FFT Spectrum Audio Analysis Software

WavePad sound editor is more than just an easy audio editing program. Once you scratch the surface there are powerful audio engineering tools available for the more advanced user. These tools include the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and the Time-Based Fast Fourier Transform (TFFT) which are both very useful tools to perform sound analysis on the spectral content of the audio. These audio spectrum analyzer tools have applications in a number of areas, including linguistics, mathematics, and sound engineering including reducing noise and vibration testing and analysis.

Audio FFT Graph

The FFT analyzer graph is designed to illustrate characteristics of audio at only one point in time. It takes a small sample of audio and plots the sound frequency in Hz against the audio intensity in decibels. If the audio is in stereo two lines will be plotted on the graph, otherwise, just one plot will be displayed.

Audio TFFT Graph

The TFFT graph maps the audio intensity of the frequency spectrum across time for the duration of the audio clip, representing the intensity through color. On this graph the x-axis is time and the y-axis is the frequency with the decibel intensity being mapped to the color intensity scale, with black representing -128 dB and white representing 0 dB.

Both the discrete and temporal fast Fourier transform frequency analysis graphs can be created/opened from the Tools tab and both graphs will update in real-time as you move to different positions in the audio file, or even as you play the audio so you can better see what is happening in the audio. So, download WavePad audio analyzer software to take a closer look at audio and learn how to analyze voice patterns and more.

Boosting the Bass in Audio Files

Want to boost up the bass in your music? The Equalizer in WavePad music editing software is your answer. Open your song in WavePad and select Equalize on the Effects tab. Equalizing allows you to adjust the level of frequencies in your audio amplifying ranges of sound frequencies. So you can change the volume of just the higher or lower (bass) frequencies in a song, as opposed to simply amplifying a song which will affect all of the frequencies.

Unlike a graphic equalizer you might see in a studio, with a multitude of knobs and dials for certain frequencies, the WavePad equalizer displays a graph of the frequencies going from the low frequencies at the left to the high frequencies on the right giving you very finite control of the frequency ranges you want to control. Move a point up on the graph to make the frequency stronger and lower a point to make it weaker.

To familiarize yourself with the equalizer take advantage of the presets to get started, but don't be afraid to play around with them and to adjust their settings to see how they affect your songs. To boost the bass start with the Low Pass filter presets. If you hit play you will hear the higher frequencies drop down, giving a boosted effect to the bass. Chances are the result won't be exactly what you wanted on the first shot, but this will provide a good starting place to make further adjustments. Changes aren't applied until you actually click Apply, so you can continue to tweak the graph as needed without fear.

Other preset filters include a High Pass Filter which is the opposite of the Low Pass Filter lowering the bass instead of the higher frequencies, a Band Pass Filter to maintain the frequencies in a specified range and lower the regions above and below that section, and several more that you can experiment with on your own, or go to the help for more details on the settings of each of these presets.

Try WavePad sound editor today to boost your bass and pump up the volume of your music.

WavePad: New Look, New Tools, New Features

Change doesn't have to be scary; in this case it’s really exciting: WavePad has a new look. Now, instead of tiny icons and long and packed menus, WavePad uses a ribbon toolbar to organize functionality by category. It really is easier to use than ever before.

WavePad continually receives praise for its user-friendliness. The interface isn’t intimidating to the beginner, yet doesn’t bury the advanced features more experienced audiophiles use on a regular basis. Its feature set includes recording, editing, and effects such as amplify, normalize, reverb, echo, and reverse and is extended by DirectX effects and VST plugin support, and an included royalty-free sound effect library. The new ribbon toolbar organizes all these aspects of the program, improving an already easy-to-use workspace.

Here is the Effects toolbar. Look how the features pop out at you:



There’s more to this latest version of WavePad, including the following features and tools:

• Wah-wah effect, for emulating wah-wah guitar pedals
  
• Vibrato effect, for modulating the depth and frequency of an audio sample’s pitch
  
• Tremolo effect, for modulating the depth and frequency of an audio sample’s amplitude
  
• Doppler effect, for simulating the sound of a passing vehicle from a higher to a lower pitch
  
• Pitch speed profile tool, for changing the speed or pitch of select portions of an audio sample
  

WavePad version 5.0 is a major release, and we want you to experience it yourself. Download your copy of WavePad now.

Give Your Music a Boost: The WavePad Equalizer

I have noticed a lot of questions on our YouTube channel about enhancing the bass in a song using WavePad audio editor. How is it done? Since the graphical interface of WavePad's equalizer was recently updated, now is the perfect time to review how to use it.

The first thing you want to do is load your music into WavePad. Do this by clicking the Open File icon on the toolbar, browse to your music file, and click Open.

Next, click the Effects menu and select Equalizer. This will open the Equalizer dialog, which might not be what you expect if you were looking for knobs and dials. This equalizer still weakens and strengthens frequencies like knobs on a mixing board, but represents the frequencies in graph form. The graph works logically enough; the low frequencies are represented on the left of the graph, the high frequencies on the right. If there is a point on the graph line that is higher, that frequency will be stronger. If the graph point is lower, the frequency will be weaker.

The easiest way familiarize yourself with this equalizer is to make use of the presets. Don't be afraid to play around with them and to adjust their settings to see how they affect your music--you don't have to commit to any changes until you click Apply.

Let's boost the bass as an example. Click the Play button and then select the Low Pass filter from the list of presets. You'll hear the higher frequencies drop down, giving a boosted effect to the bass. The result probably isn't exactly the sound you imagined, so you can make adjustments based on this starting place to even out the sound how you want. You can do this using the Low Pass Options dialog that opened when you selected this preset, but you'll have more control if you close the dialog and move around the graph points yourself. You can also add graph points by clicking on the graph's line.

For more information about how to use the different equalizer presets, view the Effects topic in the help manual. For more information about frequencies, view the General Audio Concepts topic, also in the help manual. The help manual is accessed by pressing F1 from the program.

To try WavePad and boost your bass, download the program from our website. You'll also want to see the other audio software we have for maximizing your audio production.

ToneGen your way to the Center of the Universe

What if I told you that Tone Generator Software could cure cancer or could attribute itself to miracles? Not a bold enough statement? What if I told you that it could elevate human kind to the highest levels of human consciousness and understanding and perhaps save the planet?

The 528 Hz frequency, also known as the Solfeggio or love frequency, is associated with everything from DNA repair to miracles. Found especially within new age belief circles, proponents of the theory claim that the entire universe is constructed through a musical, mathematical matrix composed of nine core creative frequencies. According to the belief, the Solfeggio frequency is the key component of this matrix and the frequency can be found in everything from sunlight to oxygen and all manners of human interaction from laughing to yawning. It is also sometimes called the love frequency, a frequency that can help human beings achieve a higher level of consciousness, purpose and ultimately, world peace.

It might sound crazy and if you’ve never heard of the 528 Hz anomaly before, you’re probably not alone...but that doesn’t mean you’re not subliminally aware. Many believers contend that people are aware of this frequency at a purely subconscious level, as it resonates outward from people as joy. By shutting out negative frequencies (such as A440 Hz) and embracing the positive, one can achieve a deeper understanding of self and live a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life, existing as one with the center of the universe.

Ready to achieve a higher level of purpose? If so, ToneGen can help you get started. It’s free to try and easy to use, so set the frequency to 528 Hz, light a candle and meditate your way to the center of the universe.

If you'd like to learn more about the Solfeggio frequency, here's a good place to start. http://www.burlingtonnews.net/blog/?p=16

Do More with Audio - Blog Carnival June 7, 2010

Welcome to the June 7, 2010 edition of Do More with Audio.


Angelita Williams presents 10 Amazing College Marching Bands On YouTube posted at OnlineUniversities.com.

Laura presents Tone Generation Software and Sound Therapy, saying, "Perhaps the most intriguing application of sound frequencies is in sound therapy. Health problems ranging from cancer to asthma, allergies to influenza can reportedly all be treated with sound therapy."

Sushant Das presents iPhoneProgramming Resource for Developers and Entrepreneurs posted at The iPhone Developer Resource, saying, "iPhone Development and iPhone Programming Resource for developers. Sign up to get daily coding tips and tricks straight from the gurus. Get free source code snippets in weekly packs. Access experts and ask them any questions or issues you are facing."

If you are interested in audio and have an iphone, you should also check out NCH Software's free iphone apps. WavePad will be available for the iphone soon, so be sure to check back for updates.

Ferrari Dude presents 50 Free Android Apps Every College Student Needs posted at Online University Reviews, saying, "Saving money is paramount in college, as most students don’t have a lot of that commodity to throw around. So, you may welcome some free Android apps that can push your productivity, creativity and communication always seem welcome."

Garth presents Creating Unique Sounds with MixPad and WavePad, saying, "I like to use MixPad to create a variety of unique sounds I can use as sound effects or to play on my synthesizer. These sound effects can be used in commercials, movies, videos, music, audio programs, or by DJs on the radio."

Pierson Group presents Agile Development- 10 Principles posted at Companies Improve ROI in Software Development, saying, "Pierson Requirement Group has trained various business analyst, corporate project managers, quality assurance managers, and professional consultants. The training format used by Pierson group includes on-site classroom training, instructor-led public classroom training, and virtual instructor-led training."


That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
Do More With Audio using our carnival submission form.

The Secret Life of Tone Generator Software

Tone generators have a variety of uses: for testing audio acoustics, creating phone rings or pulsed tones, or testing audio equipment. That’s all good and useful, but check out these alternative uses for NCH's Tone Generator we’ve stirred up.

Note: please consult your doctor before attempting any therapies on your own. We cannot vouch for the validity of any of the following claims.

Sound Therapy

Perhaps the most intriguing application of sound frequencies is in sound therapy. Health problems ranging from cancer to asthma, allergies to influenza can reportedly all be treated with sound therapy. The frequencies can be delivered by radio radiation, plasma, or in Tone Generator's case, audio waves. Because every living thing can be positively or negatively affected by frequencies, there are two ways the treatment can work: either by affecting the offending agent to a point of destruction or inactivity, or by exciting the body’s response to the disease or ailment.

Other uses for sound therapy abound. The frequencies can help in overcoming insomnia, heightening concentration (I’m testing that frequency right now), or calming a person to a state of relaxation. One of the more interesting experiments I read involved lucid dreaming, or the ability to recognize a dream and then control the dream without waking up. I’ve always wanted to have a conversation with Virginia Woolf…maybe I’ll see if Tone Generator can arrange a dream-induced meeting.

Visit the following links for more information on sound therapy:

• http://www.educate-yourself.org/nch/
  
• http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Sound-for-Therapy

Mosquito-B-Gone

I shudder when I recall the sound of mosquitoes whizzing by my ear, warning me of the itch-fest to come. But when I think of tricking them into buzzing off, everything seems right with the world.

It’s a little early in the season yet to try this trick out on those little winged pests, but be certain that I’ll try the moment they start lurking around. Apparently, all you have to do is broadcast a pitch set at the frequency dragonflies buzz about, and the mosquitoes will keep their distance. Since I’ve already tried rubbing down with dryer sheets (didn’t work), citronella candles around the yard (which works if don't you stray too far), and rubbing garlic and onion on my skin (actually, I didn't try because even I wouldn't want to be around myself)—what do I have to lose? I’ll keep you posted on this summer’s battle with the skeeters.

For more information see:

• http://netxperts-me.com/2009/08/23/kill-mosquitoes-with-your-computer/

Dog Trainer

We all know that dogs react to high-pitched sounds beyond the scope of human hearing, why not use it as a way to train them? If you can find a frequency your dog reacts to, you can use the sound to get your dog’s attention while you work on their skills.

Or, if your neighbor’s dog has a pesky habit of waking you early in the morning with yapping, you can do the whole block a favor by directing some high pitched frequencies in their direction. Just enough to stop them barking could eventually train them to stop.

So there you have it: the secret life of Tone Generator unveiled. Who knew audio waves could acheive so much? We’d love to hear if there are more, so give us a buzz if you know any other alternative uses for tone generators!