drums onto 2 tracks

[hayabusa]

I have finally got a nice little mixer with 8 mic pres and 4 line level inputs. I have a tube compressor, and and mic pre. My mic selection is very limited and I will have to expand it. I have been repeatedly steered toward ribbon mics. They will suit my needs for vocals and guitar, but will the cut it for some of the drums? Are there any drummers who have strong opinions about this?

 

[RawDepth]

Ribbon mics have a figure 8 pickup pattern, which means they hear sounds from both sides of the head basket. They will most likely work against you for drums, creating a lot of unwanted bleed-over from various directions.

There is a lot to learn about ribbon mics. They are somewhat fragile as the ribbon inside is very delicate and sensitive to the slightest breeze. Never blow on one. Even carrying it across the room too fast can cause damage. I would not advise putting one at the hole in front of a kick drum.

 

[kip4]

A ribbon mic will typically need more CLEAN gain than a dynamic too. so unless your little mixer has great preamps i'd steer clear of ribbons, especially for drums for the reasons Raw depth pointed out too.
Is your room treated?
I'm not a drummer but i do have a little experience with ribbons.
They do not suit every voice either and are best used in combination with another mic for recording guitars IMO.
Where are you ? in the USA?
this can make a vast differance as to whats available to you mic wise and price wise.
Have you researched typical drum mics. and mic techniques.
What sound are you after?
What style of music?

and oh so many more questions