Examining an audio recording can reveal a wealth of additional information. Recordings may be captured during site visits or provided by witnesses and other third parties.

While it may be tempting to alter recordings using sound editing software—changing amplitude, frequency, or playing in reverse—these approaches rarely produce useful results.

Remain objective. Avoid letting personal beliefs or expectations influence your interpretation. Always consider all possible explanations.

Initial Steps

Always start by creating a working copy of the original recording. This copy will be used for all analysis. The original file should be preserved unmodified and securely archived.

Avoid opening the file and making random changes. Instead, approach analysis methodically and with structure.