Mike Dunbar wrote:

"There are two basic classic mic sounds, the Neumann and the AKG."

Uh ... ribbons?


"1931
RCA Type 44-A

The 44-A was the first commercially successful RCA ribbon mic and was popular among vocalists. Bing Crosby bought one for himself."

http://emusician.com/mag/timeline-classic-ribbon-mics/

That's pretty classic, the early days of live radio. Predate condensers by at least 15 years.