This is why I don't like the local sales reps, they look for the sale and not the need. The new sound board (replacing a perfectly good
Allen and Heath board) was ALL DIGITAL. The new light
console was ALL DIGITAL. Digital converters. Digital receivers. Digital this, digital that. Basically, they needed SOME new equipment, mostly in the the video production end, and got talked into lots of unnecessary things. Again, the architect and sales rep probably lined their pockets and the last time I was there, there was still issues with some of the equipment and the doors are still not sound proofed and the studio isn't exactly climate controlled... But I'm not there any longer.
I think that people tend to get distracted by shiny objects and flashy trendy words. There's some fine USB mics out there, but nothing I'd put up against a studio mic. Doing a podcast or Twitch broadcast, sure, your mic is fine. Doing a reference grade recording of a Steinway D (non-digital!) piano performance? I'll stick with my "old" technology. I "invested" in good microphones myself years ago for when someone needs something specific, and through rental and
ease on my brain when I have to go in and do something, they've been well worth the investment. Replacing something that is in great condition just because the faders aren't motorized, or there aren't LEDs on each
channel or no touchscreens on the
console or whatever, it's shaking a keyring.