Close Listening Kit

Contact microphone connects via XLR
Image of contents of kit
Suction cup microphone
Hydrophone that connects via XLR
Circulates from 3rd floor DDS desk.
About

The Close Listening Kit offers three different microphones to record with: a contact microphone, a hydrophone and a suction cup microphone.  Each mic offers the opportunity to explore sound recording in differently from a classic, vocal microphone.  With this kit you can record sound underwater, via surface vibrations and through various surfaces, e.g. a wall or human body.  In order to use these microphones you'll need to check out the Audio Recording Kit.  

Fall 2026 updates - Tisch Library’s media equipment now circulates at the Digital Design Studio service desk on the 3rd floor. To learn more about the move visit go.tufts.edu/ddsmoves. Loan period of media equipment is 4 days.

Location
Tisch
Contents
  • Contact Microphone
    • Microphone that senses audio vibrations through contact with solid objects
  • Sticky putty
    • Allows you to adhere the contact mic onto objects
  • Suction cup microphone
    • Can be used with mixed success for sticking to the body for the collection of heartbeats, lung sounds, etc, as well as other surfaces.
  • Hydrophone
    • Microphone that can record underwater
  • Hard case
    • For ease of use and to safely transport equipment

Regardless of how you choose to get equipment, you need to sign the Media Equipment Policy form once per academic year.  

There are two ways Tufts ID holders can check out media equipment:

  1. At the 3rd floor Digital Design Studio (DDS) service desk , no advance reservation required.  You can stop by the 3rd floor DDS service desk located on the third floor of the Tisch library and ask to check out a kit.  The default loan period for media equipment is 4 days, no renewal.  If no kits are available, DDS staff can help you create a request for the next available time.  
  2. By making a request in Jumbosearch . You can make requests via Jumbosearch up to 2 weeks in advance.  When making a request online, you decide when to pick up and return your equipment but reservation length cannot exceed 4 days.  Kits will not be available until 10am the day of pickup. All media equipment will be loaned from the DDS service desk on the third floor of Tisch Library.  Equipment not picked up within 24 hours will automatically be returned and placed back into circulation. Requests are not a guarantee. When equipment is returned late or damaged it sometimes means we can't fulfill requests. DDS staff do their best to substitute kits when possible. 

 

Loan period and renewals

Media equipment is available for a 4-day loan period with no renewals.  If upon returning your kit, there is another kit available that you are interested in using, you are welcome to check it out.  It is imperative we receive all media equipment on time so we can clean it and get it back into circulation for other folks in the community interested in using the kit.  Failure to return the kit will put a media equipment hold on your account and require that you meet with staff regarding our policies. 

Cancel a Request

To cancel a request, please call 617-627-5953 or email TischDDS@tufts.edu.  We strongly encourage patrons to cancel when no longer needing a reservation.  This opens up the equipment to community members more quickly than letting the reservation expire without notifying Tisch library staff.  

Return

Equipment must be returned to a staff member at the Digital Design Studio Service Desk during desk hours. Patrons must be present for the entire check-in process. Kits cannot be left on the desk after desk hours.

 

In order to check out media equipment from Tisch library, you must sign a Media Equipment policy form for the current academic year.

For onsite support, you can stop by the Digital Design Studio on the third floor of Tisch Library.  Staff offices are located in room 301 and Studio Assistants are available at the Digital Design Studio Service Desk. For self-guided learning check out our online tutorials.  You can also contact us at tischdds@tufts.edu with additional questions or feedback.