Instructions & User Guide

Before beginning an investigation, create a Session.

A Session keeps the evidence, notes, Areas, and saved investigation activity for one location or event together.

Recommended setup

1. Open Threshold.
2. Create a new Session.
3. Enter the investigation details you want to save.
4. Add Areas for specific rooms, zones, or locations.
5. Begin capturing evidence or using the live investigation tools.

If a Session does not have any Areas, evidence can be saved as Unassigned.

You can organize or reassign evidence later.

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Sessions

A Session represents one investigation.

A Session can contain:

• Audio recordings
• Videos
• Photos
• Motion Camera events
• Spirit Box Lab runs
• Markers and review notes
• Areas within the investigation location

Use a separate Session for each investigation, location, or event you want to keep organized independently.

Areas

Areas represent specific rooms, zones, or locations inside a Session.

Examples include:

• Living Room
• Upstairs Bedroom
• Cellar
• Attic
• Hallway
• Exterior
• Unassigned

Areas make it easier to compare evidence from different parts of an investigation site.

Evidence that does not belong to a specific Area can remain Unassigned.

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To create a Session:

1. Open the Sessions section.
2. Select the option to create a new Session.
3. Enter the available investigation details.
4. Save the Session.

Depending on what you enter, a Session may include information such as:

• Session title
• Location
• Investigators
• Notes

From a Session, you can review its saved evidence, Areas, and Spirit Box Lab activity.

You can also edit or remove a Session when needed.

Removing a Session may also remove the evidence and investigation data associated with it. Review the Session carefully before confirming deletion.

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To add an Area:

1. Open the Session.
2. Open the Areas section.
3. Create a new Area.
4. Enter the Area name.
5. Save it.

Areas can be renamed or removed later.

If evidence is no longer assigned to an Area, it can be moved to another Area or returned to Unassigned.

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Threshold includes the following evidence-capture tools:

• EVP Audio Recorder
• Video Capture
• Rapid Photo Capture
• Motion Camera

Before capture begins, Threshold asks you to select the Session where the evidence should be saved.

When Areas exist for the selected Session, you can also select an Area.

If no Areas exist, Threshold may continue using Unassigned.

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The EVP Audio Recorder captures audio and saves it to the selected Session and Area.

To record audio

1. Open Capture.
2. Select EVP Audio Recorder.
3. Select a Session.
4. Select an Area or use Unassigned.
5. Allow microphone access if prompted.
6. Start recording.
7. Stop the recording when finished.
8. Save or discard the recording.

While recording on a supported device, a compact Magnetic row can show live magnetic activity. The row may temporarily display CALIBRATING while magnetic sensing settles after the device rotates.

Saved EVP recordings can include a synchronized magnetic timeline for later review. If the device does not provide a usable magnetometer, recording and saving continue normally and the Magnetic row remains hidden.

Saved recordings can be opened later in Audio Review.

Recording tips

For more useful recordings:

• Reduce unnecessary handling of the phone.
• Place the phone on a stable surface when possible.
• Note known sounds, voices, footsteps, traffic, appliances, and other environmental noise.
• Avoid covering the microphone.
• Record verbal context when useful, such as the time, room, or people present.

Threshold preserves the recording and available field context so the investigator can review and interpret it alongside the rest of the Session.

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Video Capture uses Threshold’s custom camera interface to record video for the selected Session and Area.

To capture video

1. Open Capture.
2. Select Video Capture.
3. Select a Session.
4. Select an Area or use Unassigned.
5. Allow camera and microphone access if prompted.
6. Tap the record control to begin.
7. Tap Stop when finished.
8. Select Save Video or Discard Recording.

After a video is saved, the capture interface remains available so another video can be recorded to the same Session and Area.

Video controls

• Pinch on the preview to adjust zoom.
• Press and hold the zoom control, then drag for precise zoom adjustment.
• Use Torch Auto, On, or Off when supported by the device.
• Use the close button to leave Video Capture when recording is not active.

Magnetic activity

On supported devices, the Magnetic HUD shows live magnetic activity while Video Capture is active. Rotating the device can briefly trigger magnetic recalibration, during which the HUD may display CALIBRATING. Live readings resume after the device settles.

Saved videos can include a synchronized magnetic timeline for later review. Rotation-related spikes are suppressed from the saved timeline. If magnetic sensing is unavailable, video recording and saving continue normally and the HUD may show UNAVAILABLE.

Camera or microphone access

Video Capture requires both camera and microphone access. If either permission is denied, Threshold shows the missing permission and provides an Open Settings action. If both are denied, Camera access is addressed first.

If the camera or microphone is unavailable or restricted, Threshold shows a non-recordable status screen instead of active-looking recording controls.

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Rapid Photo Capture is intended for taking multiple investigation photos quickly.

To capture photos

1. Open Capture.
2. Select Rapid Photo Capture.
3. Select a Session.
4. Select an Area or use Unassigned.
5. Allow camera access if prompted.
6. Tap the shutter button to capture each image.
7. Continue capturing additional photos as needed.
8. Select Done when finished.

Photos are saved to the selected Session as they are captured.

On supported devices, a compact Magnetic row appears above the shutter control. Each captured photo can save one magnetic snapshot from the shutter moment, including the reading, baseline, change, activity level, and timestamp.

Rotating the device can briefly recalibrate magnetic sensing. If magnetic sensing is unavailable or no valid reading is ready, photo capture continues normally and the saved photo remains fully usable without magnetic context.

A recent thumbnail may appear to confirm the latest photo.

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Motion Camera monitors changes in the live camera scene and can save triggered images to the selected Session and Area.

To use Motion Camera

1. Open Capture.
2. Select Motion Camera.
3. Select a Session.
4. Select an Area or use Unassigned.
5. Allow camera access if prompted.
6. Position the phone so the camera view remains stable.
7. Select the desired sensitivity.
8. Start monitoring.
9. Leave the phone as still as possible.
10. Stop monitoring when finished.

What can trigger Motion Camera

Motion Camera records visual changes in the monitored scene. For the clearest results, consider conditions that may influence the camera view, including:

• People or pets entering the frame
• Camera movement
• Phone vibration
• Moving curtains or objects
• Flashlights
• Shadows
• Reflections
• Changes in room lighting
• Screen or exposure adjustments
• Outdoor movement visible through windows

For the most reliable comparison, place the phone on a stable surface or tripod and avoid moving it during monitoring.

Higher sensitivity may respond to smaller visual changes. Lower sensitivity may require a larger change.

Triggered images are saved when the current access level and storage limits allow.

When a valid magnetic reading is available at the trigger moment, Motion Camera can save that reading with the image for later review. If the device is recalibrating, the sensor is unavailable, or no valid reading is ready, the image still saves normally without magnetic context.

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Threshold can add existing media to an investigation.

Supported import options include:

• Audio from Files
• Video from Files
• Photos from the Photos app

To import evidence

1. Open the appropriate import or evidence section.
2. Select the Session where the item should be saved.
3. Select an Area or use Unassigned.
4. Choose the file or photo.
5. Confirm the import.

If a file cannot be used, Threshold may show an invalid-media message instead of importing it.

Imported media becomes part of the selected Session and can be reviewed with captured evidence.

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The Review section provides access to:

• Audio Review
• Video Review
• Photo Review
• Session Review Logs

You can also open evidence directly from a Session or Area.

Audio Review

Audio Review includes playback controls, a waveform timeline, and—when captured—a synchronized magnetic activity strip.

You can:

• Play and pause audio
• Move through the recording
• Inspect a focused portion of the waveform
• Open the larger timeline view
• Change the visible timeline range
• Inspect magnetic activity at a specific timestamp
• Add a Marker at the selected magnetic timestamp
• Return to marked locations

Available waveform ranges may include:

• Fit
• 60 seconds
• 30 seconds
• 10 seconds

A waveform shows the relative shape and intensity of recorded audio and helps locate moments for closer review.

Video Review

Video Review lets you open and play saved videos associated with a Session.

Videos captured with Threshold can include a synchronized magnetic activity strip. Tapping the strip opens a Magnetic Reading view where you can inspect the time, activity, raw reading, baseline, and change, then add a Marker at that time.

Full-screen Video Review preserves playback position and magnetic alignment while you inspect or rotate the device.

Use the surrounding investigation context when reviewing visual, audio, or magnetic activity. Interpretation remains with the investigator.

Photo and Motion Camera Review

Photo Review lets you inspect saved and imported images connected to a Session or Area.

When a valid capture-time reading was saved, a compact Magnetic pill appears beside Add Marker. Tapping it opens the saved magnetic snapshot details. Older evidence, imported media, unsupported devices, and captures without a valid reading remain fully usable without the pill.

Session Review Logs

Session Review Logs help keep review activity and investigation notes connected to the Session.

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Markers help identify moments in audio or other supported evidence that deserve closer review.

A Marker may be used for:

• A sound
• A voice
• A visual change
• A possible anomaly
• A known environmental event
• A review note
• A timestamp to revisit later

To add a Marker

1. Open the evidence item.
2. Move to the relevant point in the recording or timeline.
3. Select Add Marker.
4. Enter the available marker details.
5. Save it.

You can later:

• Open a Marker
• Jump back to its saved position
• Edit its information
• Delete it

Free access includes a limited number of Markers per evidence item. Threshold Pro removes the Marker limit.

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Saved evidence can be reassigned when it was captured under the wrong Session or Area.

Depending on the available action, you may be able to:

• Move evidence to another Session
• Assign it to another Area
• Return it to Unassigned

When an item is moved to a different Session, its previous Area assignment may be cleared because Areas belong to a specific Session.

Review the destination after moving an item to ensure it is organized correctly.

Existing markers remain connected to the evidence item when supported by the move.

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1. Vibration Beacon

Vibration Beacon uses iPhone motion sensors to display changes in device movement.

It is useful for monitoring:

• Surface vibration
• Device movement
• Handling changes
• Footsteps or nearby impacts
• Movement of the table, floor, stand, or phone

To use Vibration Beacon

1. Open Tools.
2. Select Vibration Beacon.
3. Place or hold the phone in the intended monitoring position.
4. Start the tool.
5. Allow calibration to complete.
6. Select the desired sensitivity.
7. Observe the movement level and event count.
8. Stop the tool when finished.

Understanding the reading

The display may move through response states such as stable, movement, or strong movement.

Sensitivity affects how responsive the tool is to movement.

Readings can be influenced by:

• Holding the phone
• Hand tremors
• Walking
• Speaking while holding the phone
• Footsteps
• Doors closing
• Furniture movement
• Vibrating appliances
• Traffic
• Unstable surfaces
• The phone shifting position

Vibration Beacon records changes in device movement for review within the context of the investigation.

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Magnetic Field Monitor uses the iPhone magnetometer to measure magnetic-field strength and changes from a calibrated baseline.

It can display:

• Current magnetic-field magnitude
• X, Y, and Z axis readings
• Change from baseline
• Peak change
• Response level

To use Magnetic Field Monitor

1. Open Tools.
2. Select Magnetic Field Monitor.
3. Place the phone in a fixed position.
4. Start the tool.
5. Allow the baseline calibration to complete.
6. Observe the current readings and changes.
7. Allow recalibration if the phone is moved or rotated.
8. Stop the tool when finished.

What can affect readings

Magnetic readings may change because of:

• Magnets
• Speakers
• Electronics
• Charging cables
• Electrical wiring
• Metal objects
• Appliances
• Vehicles
• Watches or accessories
• Moving the phone
• Rotating the phone
• Changing device orientation

Rotating the device can and will briefly recalibrate magnetic sensing. During this settling period, supported Threshold interfaces may display CALIBRATING. Live readings resume after the device settles.

For better comparisons, keep the phone stationary after calibration.

Magnetic Field Monitor records magnetic-field measurements and changes from the calibrated baseline for investigation review and interpretation.

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Audio Level Meter uses the microphone to display relative sound intensity in real time.

It can show:

• Current relative level
• Peak relative level
• Visual response to changing sound

To use Audio Level Meter

1. Open Tools.
2. Select Audio Level Meter.
3. Allow microphone access if prompted.
4. Start the meter.
5. Observe changes in the display.
6. Stop the meter when finished.

Important limitation

Audio Level Meter is a relative investigation display. It is not a certified sound-level or decibel meter.

Readings can be affected by:

• Voices
• Footsteps
• Phone handling
• Wind
• Fans
• Heating or air-conditioning systems
• Appliances
• Traffic
• Echo
• Room size
• Distance from the sound
• Covering or touching the microphone

The meter shows changes in incoming audio level as they occur.

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Spirit Box Lab uses calibrated live magnetic-field and device-motion activity to produce indexed word outputs from a carefully curated 2,048-entry production vocabulary.

The production vocabulary was carefully curated, categorized, organized into stable indexes, and tested as part of the production system.

Generated outputs can be displayed and spoken when speech is enabled.

To use Spirit Box Lab

1. Open Spirit Box Lab.
2. Select a Session.
3. Select an Area or use Unassigned.
4. Select the desired sensitivity.
5. Enable or disable spoken output.
6. Place or hold the phone in the position you intend to use.
7. Start the run.
8. Keep the phone reasonably consistent while calibration completes.
9. After calibration, hold the phone naturally while the run continues.
10. Review outputs as they appear.
11. Stop the run when finished.

Device movement and environmental sensor activity can influence when outputs occur.

Keep magnets, charging devices, speakers, and other electronics away from the phone when possible, since they can affect magnetic sensor activity and trigger behavior.

The most recent outputs appear in the live workspace.

Saved runs can later be opened from the related Session or Area.

How outputs are produced

Spirit Box Lab uses live sensor activity and deterministic indexed selection.

Outputs are not manually chosen during a run.

Sensor activity affects when a trigger occurs and which indexed vocabulary entry is selected.

Sensitivity changes the responsiveness of the trigger system.

Outputs are not released on a simple repeating timer. Live sensor activity contributes to both trigger timing and deterministic indexed vocabulary selection.

Trigger Details

Saved Spirit Box outputs may include technical Trigger Details such as:

• Accumulator activity
• Magnetometer contribution
• Device-motion contribution
• Cooldown state
• Sensor-derived signature
• Word Index

These details are provided for investigation context and comparison.

Interpreting Spirit Box outputs

Spirit Box outputs are saved as part of the investigation record and can be reviewed alongside the questions asked, surrounding conditions, timing, and other captured evidence.

Some outputs may feel relevant or responsive within the context of a Session. Threshold preserves the generated word, timing, and available Trigger Details so the investigator can review and interpret the event.

Interpretation remains with the investigator.

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1. Free Access and Threshold Pro

Threshold includes Free access and an optional one-time Threshold Pro lifetime purchase.

Free access includes

• 1 saved Session
• 1 Area per Session
• 10 total saved evidence items
• 3 Markers per evidence item
• 15 minutes of complimentary Spirit Box Lab monitoring time
• Up to 5 minutes per individual Spirit Box Lab run
• Complimentary time may be divided across multiple runs
• Only active monitoring time is deducted; calibration time does not count
• Saved Spirit Box Lab runs remain accessible after complimentary time is used
• Additional Spirit Box Lab runs require Threshold Pro after the complimentary time is exhausted
• Session export is unavailable

Threshold Pro includes

• Unlimited Sessions
• Unlimited Areas
• Unlimited saved evidence
• Unlimited Markers
• Unlimited Spirit Box Lab access
• Session export
• One-time lifetime access

The purchase price is shown in the app and App Store for the user’s region.

If Pro access later changes, evidence and investigation items previously created while Pro was active remain accessible.

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Threshold requests only the permissions needed for the feature being used.

Microphone

Used by:

• EVP Audio Recorder
• Video Capture audio
• Audio Level Meter

Camera

Used by:

• Video Capture
• Rapid Photo Capture
• Motion Camera

Photos

Used when selecting existing photos from the Photos app and when a related save or access action requires permission.

Motion and sensors

Used by tools that rely on device movement and environmental sensor readings.

If permission is denied, the related feature may not work.

Video Capture requires both Camera and Microphone access. When access is denied, Threshold shows the missing permission and provides an Open Settings action. Camera access is addressed first when both permissions are denied.

You can review permissions in:

iPhone Settings → Apps → Threshold

The exact Settings layout may vary by iOS version.

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Threshold records and organizes sensor changes and investigation events as they occur. Review each event alongside the conditions present at the time and the broader context of the investigation.

Before interpreting an event, consider:

• Who was present
• Whether anyone moved
• Whether the phone was touched
• Whether the phone changed orientation
• Doors, windows, curtains, and airflow
• Flashlights and lighting changes
• Pets or insects
• Traffic and nearby activity
• Electrical equipment
• Heating and cooling systems
• Phones, watches, speakers, magnets, and cables
• Building movement
• Surface vibration
• Signal delay or normal device behavior

Some Threshold capture tools can preserve magnetic activity as a synchronized timeline or a capture-time snapshot. On unsupported devices, capture and saving continue normally without magnetic context.

Rotating the device can and will briefly recalibrate magnetic sensing. A temporary CALIBRATING state is expected on supported devices, and saved audio and video timelines suppress rotation-related spikes.

A reading becomes more useful when its surrounding conditions are recorded.

When possible:

• Keep the phone stationary.
• Record the starting conditions.
• Note known environmental changes.
• Compare repeated tests.
• Use more than one type of evidence.
• Consider the full investigation context before drawing a conclusion.

Threshold preserves readings and generated outputs for investigation context. Interpretation remains with the investigator.

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A tool will not start

Check that:

• The required permission has been granted.
• Another app is not actively using the camera or microphone.
• The Session selection is complete.
• The phone supports the required sensor.
• Threshold is still active in the foreground.

Close and reopen the tool if necessary.

Microphone access was denied

Open:

iPhone Settings → Apps → Threshold → Microphone

Enable access, then return to Threshold.

Camera access was denied

Open:

iPhone Settings → Apps → Threshold → Camera

Enable access, then return to Threshold.

Video Capture shows Camera or Microphone Access Needed

Use the in-app Open Settings action, enable the missing permission, then return to Threshold. If another permission is still missing, the denied-state page updates and keeps an Open Settings button available.

Video Capture shows Camera Unavailable

The current device or environment does not provide an available camera for custom Video Capture. Use the close button to leave the capture screen and try again on a supported device.

Photos cannot be selected

Review the Photos permission for Threshold in iPhone Settings.

Motion Camera triggers too often

Try the following:

• Lower the sensitivity.
• Place the phone on a more stable surface.
• Avoid touching the phone.
• Reduce moving shadows and changing light.
• Keep people and pets out of the camera view.
• Secure curtains or objects moving in airflow.

Motion Camera does not trigger

Try the following:

• Increase sensitivity.
• Confirm that monitoring has started.
• Make sure the camera view is not blocked.
• Test with a clear movement inside the frame.
• Verify camera permission.

Magnetic readings keep changing

If the display temporarily shows CALIBRATING after rotating the device, keep the phone steady and allow the reading to resume.

Check for:

• Nearby electronics
• Magnets
• Speakers
• Charging equipment
• Metal objects
• Phone movement
• Changes in phone orientation

Move the phone to the intended position and allow recalibration to complete.

Magnetic activity is unavailable

Some devices and simulator environments do not provide a usable magnetometer. Threshold continues recording, capturing, saving, and reviewing evidence without magnetic context. No false timeline or snapshot data is created.

Vibration Beacon shows movement while the phone is being held

Small hand and body movements can affect the reading.

For a more stable baseline, place the phone on a fixed surface.

Audio Level Meter seems too active

The microphone may be responding to quiet environmental noise, room echo, airflow, handling, or nearby electronics.

Place the phone down and compare the display in a quieter environment.

Spirit Box Lab is not producing outputs

Output timing depends on current sensor activity, calibration, sensitivity, trigger progress, and cooldown behavior.

Confirm that:

• The run is active.
• Calibration completed.
• The selected sensitivity is appropriate.
• The phone and environment are producing enough sensor activity.

Do not shake or strike the phone to force a result.

Evidence was saved as Unassigned

This can happen when no Area was selected or the Session had no Areas.

Open the evidence item later and assign it to the correct Area.

A file will not import

The file may be unsupported, unavailable, damaged, or inaccessible.

Try opening it in Files or Photos first, then attempt the import again.

The app was interrupted during a Spirit Box run

Threshold attempts to preserve and finalize interrupted Spirit Box run data so it can be reviewed later.

Check the selected Session for the saved run.

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Threshold is designed around on-device investigation organization.

Investigation data, captured evidence, imported media references or copies, markers, Areas, Session information, magnetic timelines, and magnetic snapshots are stored with the app on the user’s device according to the feature being used.

Camera, microphone, Photos, motion, and sensor permissions are used for the related Threshold functions.

Users control what they export or share.

Deleting the app or removing app data may permanently remove locally stored Threshold information.

For complete details, review the Threshold Privacy Policy linked from the app and App Store listing.

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Threshold Pro includes Session export.

Exported material may contain investigation information or evidence selected from the Session.

A Threshold Session package can include Session and Area details, copied audio/video/photo/Motion Camera files, markers, Motion Camera metadata, Spirit Box run data, synchronized audio/video magnetic timelines, and photo or Motion Camera magnetic snapshots when available.

Older evidence, imported media, unsupported devices, and captures without a valid sensor reading may omit magnetic fields. This is normal and does not prevent export or later review.

Before sharing an export:

• Review the included content.
• Confirm that no private information is visible or audible.
• Obtain permission from people who appear or speak in the evidence when appropriate.
• Use a secure sharing method for sensitive material.

Threshold does not determine who may legally record, photograph, or share content in a particular location. Users are responsible for following applicable laws and property rules.

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Do not use Threshold in a way that puts you or others at risk.

Avoid:

• Entering unsafe or restricted locations
• Trespassing
• Investigating alone in hazardous environments
• Watching the screen while driving
• Blocking exits
• Placing the phone where it may fall
• Ignoring structural, electrical, weather, wildlife, or environmental hazards

Threshold should support an investigation, not distract from personal safety.

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For support, use the Contact Support option available in Threshold.

When reporting a problem, include:

• Your iPhone model
• Your iOS version
• The Threshold version
• The feature being used
• What you expected to happen
• What happened instead
• Any steps that consistently reproduce the issue

Do not include private evidence unless it is necessary and you are comfortable sharing it.

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Threshold helps investigators capture, mark, review, and organize field evidence.

Captured media, markers, readings, and generated outputs should be reviewed alongside the full context of the investigation. Interpretation remains with the investigator.

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