How Exactly Does Audio Capturing Work?

[Ownaholic]

So, I'm attempting to start my own local paranormal investigation crew; already have an excellent team, and we have all of the professional-grade equipment ironed out.

Now, I want to incorporate a higher-grade audio of every group member.
I am familiar with lapel microphones, but what would I plug the lapel microphone into in order to record an individual's audio?
Would we just have to get another digital voice recorder (that we typically would use for EVPs), and then simply plug in the lapel mic to that? Is there a specific piece of equipment out there for this type of audio recording?

Do you have any specific lapel mic recommendations based on the understanding of how it will be used?

Thanks so much for your help!

[budwzr]

Why don't you investigate UFO's or BigFoot instead? The whole ghost hunting thing is pretty well fizzled out now.

[jagabo]

You need a multi track recorder. For example:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/tascam-dr680-portable-multitrack-recorder/485732000000000

[Cornucopia]

So, I'm attempting to start my own local paranormal investigation crew; already have an excellent team, and we have all of the professional-grade equipment ironed out.

Now, I want to incorporate a higher-grade audio of every group member.
I am familiar with lapel microphones, but what would I plug the lapel microphone into in order to record an individual's audio?
Would we just have to get another digital voice recorder (that we typically would use for EVPs), and then simply plug in the lapel mic to that? Is there a specific piece of equipment out there for this type of audio recording?

Do you have any specific lapel mic recommendations based on the understanding of how it will be used?

Thanks so much for your help!

"Professional grade equipment"? "This type of audio recording"?
From what I've read, it's specifically the NON-pro equipment that gets used in these situations, mainly because the weaknesses of the consumer quality is what's exploited as the phenomena.

I tell you what - if you sign a contract promising me the majority of your winning James Randi's longstanding $1Million prize for showing scientific proof of this stuff, I'll personally consult with you ALL your audio, video and other media equipment needs, for free.
But I don't think you'll do that because we both know it's all a bunch of hoakum, balderdash, claptrap, bunk, etc.

Scott

[edDV]

But I don't think you'll do that because we both know it's all a bunch of hoakum, balderdash, claptrap, bunk, etc.

Or, a business plan if they've signed a sponsor. "Realiy" shows deliver self selected gullible advertising targets.

[Des]

I would do it in a minute!
It's a win/win situation: If you find nothing then the naysayers are happy because there is nothing there. If you find 'something' then the believers are happy because there is something there. But, either way, no matter what you come up with believers and non-believers will never change their minds. At the end of the day you still get paid

But back to the OPs question, I would get a Zoom pocket sized stereo recorder. They look cool and the ones I've seen have lot's of gain.

--dES

[budwzr]

Yeah, the way they sort for the super dummies would be to have a phone text vote Yes/No whether "Did they really contact a ghost?" The responders would be the most prized list they can then sell.

Or the retail store sales receipt that wants your opinion, and you also get a chance to win $1000. Sometimes, as a smart ass, I tear off that section from the receipt and ask the checker if he/she wants to use my chance to win.

But I like Scott's idea to use cheap equipment. Maybe buy a few of those Olympus recorders and velcro them under their shirts.

I saw a BigFoot investigation once that had some kind of parabolic antenna connected to a fakkakta homemade "receiver" with all kinds of bling lights, and he had a recording of a "BigFoot mating call" that he played on a loudspeaker to attract one. That was a hoot.

One show you'll never see aired is "How to save 50% on almost anything". They would never get any sponsors. Hahaha.