My Master's Thesis from quite a while ago... written in German.
Will be adding translations of the individual sections from time to time here.
The original can be found here:
Die Historische Entwicklung von Kondensatormikrofonen
Unter Berücksichtigung von Schaltungstechnik und Klangverhalten
Sorry, no complete English translation at this time!
You still might want to check out all the schematics and graphs, which do tell a story in themselves.
Subject is the history of circuit design in microphones and their impact on the sound.
Main sections are:
- Evolution of transducer and head amplifier technology (in-depth)
- General aspects of distortion: Types, assesement and auditory perception
- Distortion in capsules and electronics: sources and methods of measurement
- Actual measurements of several models from vintage to modern, including comprehensive discussion (models included: Neumann U47, U67, M269c, KM84, U87, TLM170, TLM103, M149, Schoeps CMC-5U, Microtech Gefell MV692, AKG C414B-ULS)