What are your favorite mics and preamps that are NOT based on an old design? No "updates of classics" or mods that "get close to the specs of x...' Original designs only!

I love my Oktavamods, I do. I've never owned a Neumann but I understand they get pretty darn close, which is awesome, especially for what I paid. My APA Juggernaut Twin sounds glorious and is versatile enough to mimic both Neve and API.

But surely tech innovation didn't end in 1972?

I really want to know what your faves are that are done from the ground up.

MICS: I have a couple lof the first-gen CAD Equitek e100s and they are amazing. Two rechargeable 9v batteries are part of the design, and my understanding is that headroom is increased and transients are unchained. All I know is that I have never gotten better sounding toms from OHs. And for VO they are the closest I have come to having the person right there speaking into my ear. I actually looked over my shoulder once.

Seems like the later gens are not as likeable.

PRES: I am reluctant to give away my secret weapons, but who really cares.

The Little Labs LMNOPre is the most underappreciated preamp of this century, imho. Go read the old TapeOp review; it's spot on. I'm amazed that it fell so far under the radar given that LL is still very much a going concern.

I don't really have time to put into words everything that I feel about it, but go look it up. The design is completely unique and so versatile. The first time I ran my mics through it, I heard characteristics in them I had never heard before. A real "blanket off the mics" moment.

I will say that despite the first-rate build quality, some of the contacts seem to get touchy after a while. But they can be cleaned.

What you got?