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Spirit Boxes - A Useful Investigation Tool?
Should we use tools like spirit boxes in our paranormal investigations? Some say they lead to an unprofessional approach, while others look at them with a deeper understanding.
Nigel Mortimer
4/29/20255 min read


Unlocking the Spirit Realm: How Spirit Boxes Enhance Paranormal Investigations
Discover how spirit boxes are revolutionizing paranormal investigations by enabling real-time communication with spirits, improving evidence collection, and enhancing credibility.
Introduction
Have you ever tried to eat soup without a spoon? Not easy is it! You can eat soup from a bowl without a spoon of course, but we use a tool like a spoon to make the whole process a lot easier and efficient. So, in the physical world, we use tools that we create all the time to help us navigate this world and what we choose to do in it. That said, there has recently been an effort within the paranormal community by some to downplay the use of tools (like spirit boxes) in paranormal investigations, stating that these tools do not lend credibility and even a recent social media post claims that using them makes investigators look unprofessional.
Is this true?
In the ever-evolving world of paranormal investigation, one device stands out for its unique ability to bridge the seen and the unseen—the spirit box. Designed to scan radio frequencies at rapid speeds, spirit boxes are said to create a medium through which entities from beyond can communicate. While sceptics dismiss these devices as pseudoscientific, a growing number of investigators assert that spirit boxes are essential tools that sharpen the focus of their research and improve evidence gathering. This blog explores the practical benefits of using spirit boxes and why they remain a staple in modern ghost hunting.
The Basics of a Spirit Box
What Is a Spirit Box and How Does It Work?
A spirit box is a device that rapidly scans radio frequencies, generating fragmented audio. Paranormal investigators believe that spirits can manipulate these fragments to form words or phrases in response to questions. The randomness of the noise provides a chaotic yet controlled environment in which voices derived from terrestrial radio stations can emerge. It is theorised that these sounds are then manipulated by spirit energies (sounds are waveforms , a kind of energy that spirits can affect) and the spirit box user is able to make sense of the random words and sounds being heard through the spirit box. It is a misconception with newer paranormal investigators that the voices heard coming from spirit boxes (especially those types of boxes that use a static background carrier for the audio) are all directly emerging from the spirits themselves. It is known that the majority of cases show that the words and sounds derive from radio stations and other terrestrial radio sources.
Types of Spirit Boxes Used Today
Popular models like the FCD Ghost Boxes and other builders models like the sb7 (other models are out there) are standard in many investigations. They differ in features such as scan speed, audio clarity, and noise filtering. Many investigators also utilize smartphone apps that simulate the scanning process. While physical models are still favoured for their reliability, app-based versions continue to gain popularity for their convenience and affordability.
The Advantages of Using Spirit Boxes in Paranormal Investigations
Real-Time Communication with Entities
One of the most compelling benefits of using a spirit box is the possibility of real-time interaction. Investigators often report receiving direct responses to specific questions—names, dates, or even phrases that pertain to the history of the location. This immediacy not only adds excitement to an investigation but also provides a deeper sense of connection with any entities present.
Boosting Investigation Focus and Direction
Spirit boxes can also help steer an investigation. If a voice says "attic" or "basement," teams may redirect their efforts to those areas. This guidance can be invaluable in large or complex locations where it’s easy to become overwhelmed or miss activity hotspots.
Audio Evidence Collection
Unlike subjective feelings or visual anomalies that may not be verifiable, spirit box sessions are recordable and timestamped. Investigators can replay audio, analyse responses, and even have them peer-reviewed by others. This archivable data enhances the credibility of findings, especially when responses are contextually relevant.
Accessibility and Portability
Modern spirit boxes like the FCD Handheld are compact and battery-powered, making them ideal for field investigations. Their ease of use allows even novice investigators to integrate them into their toolkit, democratising access to potentially ground-breaking experiences.
Addressing Scepticism Around Spirit Boxes
Common Criticisms and Misconceptions
Sceptics argue that any “voice” heard through a spirit box is simply a misinterpretation of random radio snippets or a result of auditory pareidolia—the brain’s tendency to find patterns in noise. They also highlight the risks of confirmation bias, where investigators might hear what they expect or want to hear. This can be true, using or not using tools to assist paranormal investigations and without such tools often it is the case that personal bias can affect the results. For example, physics sometimes say that they do not need spirit boxes as they receive messages from spirit directly. It is difficult, if not impossible to prove this to be the case, as often their will be a personal bias through any interpretation of the messages received by psychics. At least with tools like spirit boxes, the audio that is heard can be shared and evaluated with others. This doesn't mean that psychics are not genuine (although there are fakes out there!) but it does mean that the evidence is not reliant on only one source.
Scientific and Ethical Considerations
While spirit boxes are not scientifically proven to contact the dead (yet user evidence seems to suggest they do), responsible investigators stress the importance of methodology. Conducting repeated sessions, using control questions, and comparing results can help minimize false positives and add a layer of credibility to findings. Ethics play a role too—respect for potential spirits, historical accuracy, and not misleading the public are foundational principles for serious researchers.
Best Practices for Using a Spirit Box Effectively
Tips for Maximizing Valid Responses
To get the most from a spirit box session:
- Ask direct and concise questions.
- Allow silence between questions for possible answers.
- Avoid leading or suggestive phrasing.
- Work in a quiet environment to reduce audio interference.
- Record sessions and review with a team for second opinions.
Combining Spirit Boxes with Other Tools
For more robust evidence, spirit boxes are often used alongside:
- EMF detectors to measure electromagnetic fluctuations.
- Digital voice recorders for capturing EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena).
- Thermal cameras or motion sensors for visual and movement-based validation.
This multi-tool approach helps create a fuller, cross-referenced picture of the paranormal environment.
Conclusion
Spirit boxes continue to play a vital role in the toolkit of modern paranormal investigators. While their use sparks debate, their capacity for real-time communication, guidance, and evidence recording makes them valuable for anyone looking to explore the unknown. When used responsibly, with scepticism and scientific curiosity in mind, spirit boxes not only enhance investigations—they expand the boundaries of what we consider possible.
So, although opinions can be divided, there certainly remains a place for tools like the spirit box in ongoing paranormal investigations.
FAQs
Q: Can spirit boxes pick up real spirit voices or just random radio snippets?
A: While sceptics believe it’s random noise, many investigators report direct, intelligent responses that suggest otherwise. It is theorised that the radio sounds that come through spirit boxes as random snippets swept at a fast rate, are picked up by spirits in the vicinity and manipulated in order for them to make sense to the listener.
Q: What makes spirit box responses credible during investigations?
A: Responses that are context-specific, consistent across sessions, and corroborated by other tools are considered more credible.
Q: Are apps as effective as physical spirit boxes?
A: Apps can be effective, but physical devices are preferred for their reliability and reduced susceptibility to software bias. Many apps are preloaded with code, so although random, the words and sounds are predictable to some degree -to the extent that the coder knows what banks of sounds have been used in the app and these will be the only ones presented.
Q: How can investigators ensure they're not being misled by noise or bias?
A: Using controls, team consensus, and cross-referencing responses with historical facts can help filter out false positives.
Q: Do professionals in the field accept spirit box findings?
A: Opinions vary, but many seasoned investigators value spirit boxes when used alongside traditional methods and respectful critical thinking. Paranormal Investigator of over 45 years, Nigel Mortimer, believes that due to the fact that we are all a form of energy (everything is!), then, in the way that we can manipulate this energy in the physical world (sometimes by using tools), then there should be no reason why spirits can't do the same with the energy of waveforms and sound.