Nostalgia purchases can be practical as well.
In the 90s I had a demo studio, and we did a few actual ‘records’. (CDs)
Lots of bands, including my own, recorded there. Had a great live room.
I’d really enjoyed working with my setup....you guessed it. MSR16 and the M520.
As a result, had lots of recorded tape.
Once I got back into recording again, but in the digital age, I had no choice but to get another desk and machine to digitize all the work previously done. Made sense to get the gear that was used in the initial recordings.
Despite the advantages of digital, analog recording is so much more fun. (To me)
Working in a 16 track tape format is so much more rewarding on a musical level. The workflow is so different from working in solitude in a daw. You gotta work together and actually play music.
And it’s really nice to use a mixing desk even when you’re working in the digital realm.
I don’t view having only 16 tracks as a hindrance, but as a benefit.
Two of my favorite records were done on a smaller format, They serve as inspiration
Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland. 16 tracks
Deep Purple Made in Japan. Two 4 track machines linked together.
Both records sound great.
Good luck with your studio and your future projects.