If you’ve ever spent time listening back to a ghost hunting session, you already know how much noise can be packed into a recording. Between radio sweeps, static, background sounds, equipment, and the constant hiss of a spirit box, it can sometimes be difficult to tell what you’re actually hearing.

That’s one reason filtering out white noise during EVP sessions can make such a difference.

Reducing unwanted noise doesn’t automatically turn every sound into an EVP, and it certainly doesn’t replace careful listening and analysis. What it can do is make the audio easier to monitor in real time and give investigators a cleaner signal to listen to when something interesting comes through.

For paranormal investigators who spend a lot of time working with spirit boxes and other communication devices, that can be a big advantage.

Spirit boxes work by rapidly scanning radio frequencies. That constant scanning is part of the process, but it also produces the familiar sweeping sound and background noise that investigators hear through the speaker.

The problem is that a potential response can be very brief. If a voice or sound comes through at the same time as a loud sweep or burst of static, it can be difficult to hear clearly.

This is especially noticeable during longer sessions. After listening to that constant background noise for a while, your ears can become accustomed to it. A quiet word or short response can be surprisingly easy to miss.

That’s where adjustable noise control comes in.

The SB11-ANC was designed with this problem in mind. Its Dual Channel Adjustable Noise Control helps reduce the sweeping sound produced during operation, making potential EVPs easier to hear during an investigation.

And there’s more to the SB11-ANC than just noise reduction.

The unit gives investigators the ability to use AM, FM, or both simultaneously, along with forward or reverse sweeping and seven adjustable sweep speeds ranging from 50 to 350 milliseconds. It also has separate AM and FM audio outputs, allowing for different setups depending on how you conduct your session.

The noise control itself is adjustable, so you aren't simply stuck with one setting. You can increase or decrease the filtering with the Noise button and find the level that works best for your environment.

The SB11-ANC also includes a built-in red LED flashlight, automatic temperature deviation detection, and dual simultaneous audio output.

For investigators who regularly use a spirit box, having noise control built directly into the unit is a convenient way to make EVP sessions easier to monitor.

If you already have a spirit box that you like, you don't necessarily need to replace it to start experimenting with noise reduction.

The ANC-Mini is an adjustable noise control device that can be used with a spirit box that has a separate audio output. It uses a software algorithm to reduce unwanted white noise and sweeping sounds before the audio reaches your external speaker or portal.

It's also incredibly simple to use.

Connect the audio output from your spirit box to the ANC-Mini, then connect the ANC-Mini to a compatible external speaker or portal. The two buttons allow you to adjust the amount of noise control to your preference. The unit is small and lightweight and includes Velcro for attaching it to the back of your EVP device.

One thing to keep in mind: the ANC-Mini requires an external speaker with an audio input, so Bluetooth speakers aren't compatible.

The ANC-Mini can also be paired with a portal for an even more controlled setup. Ghost Hunters Equipment specifically recommends a configuration using an SB11 or SB7, ANC-Mini, and a Para4ce SPIRIT GATE portal for clear audio.

Another option for investigators looking to clean up their audio is the Para4ce Lil Devil Portal.

The Lil Devil is a compact portal designed to make EVPs easier to hear by filtering out white noise while amplifying the audio. It can be connected to a spirit box or HEXBOX and gives you several audio controls to work with.

The setup includes controls for volume, gain, tone, and reverb, along with a threshold adjustment that lets you filter the white noise to your liking. It also features a Noise Killer with fast and mild bypass options.

The goal isn't to eliminate every sound. Instead, you can adjust the threshold while your spirit box is scanning and find a balance where the background noise is reduced without making the audio unnecessarily difficult to monitor.

The Lil Devil also provides amplification through a 10-watt amplifier, and its portal is rechargeable with an estimated 4–6 hours of operating time.

One of the most important parts of EVP work is simply listening.

It can be tempting to turn up the volume and hope that something suddenly becomes obvious. In reality, careful EVP work usually involves paying attention to small changes in sound, listening more than once, and comparing what you hear with the original recording.

Reducing unnecessary white noise can make that process less tiring and help you concentrate on the audio that matters.

It's also important to keep your expectations in check. A filtered sound is not automatically paranormal. Background noises, radio fragments, environmental sounds, equipment interference, and our own brains' tendency to recognize patterns can all affect what we think we're hearing.

That's why we recommend recording your sessions whenever possible and reviewing anything interesting afterward.

If you're planning an EVP or spirit box session, there are several ways to approach noise reduction:

Using an SB11-ANC:
The noise control is already built into the spirit box, giving you an adjustable way to reduce the sweeping sound during your session.

Using an existing spirit box with an ANC-Mini:
This is a good option if you already own a compatible spirit box and want to add adjustable noise control without replacing your current equipment.

Using a Lil Devil Portal:
The Lil Devil can be connected to a spirit box or HEXBOX and provides filtering, amplification, and additional audio controls for your investigation setup.

And whichever setup you use, don't forget the simplest piece of ghost hunting equipment in the room: a good digital voice recorder. Having a recording of your session gives you something to go back to later, when you can listen carefully without the pressure of trying to interpret everything as it happens.

White noise is a normal part of many spirit box sessions, but it doesn't have to dominate the experience.

Whether you're using the built-in noise control of the SB11-ANC, adding an ANC-Mini to an existing setup, or running your audio through a Para4ce Lil Devil Portal, reducing unwanted noise can make it easier to focus on the sounds and potential responses coming through.

Sometimes the most interesting moment of a session is a word that lasts only a second.

The clearer you can make your listening environment, the better chance you have of actually noticing it.