I have done similar work here in France. I believe best way to learn how to use microphones is to learn how they work via deconstructing it and learning what is there (ie capacitor) and what purpose does it serve.
Once I had realised I could purchase cheap chinese made microphones and buy high quality components to modify them, I've never thought of paying retail price for expensive microphones. I often use my modded microphones over the neumanns and telefunkens available at the studio.
There are also many things available called clone kits, where you receive the parts for a DYI premium microphone. One great example is a U87 clone kit that costs 500EUR. Much better than spending 3000EUR for the microphone, and much more fun as well! here is the link:
http://micandmod.com/en/complete-kits-u87/45-u87-diy-kit.html