Newbie quaetion about overheads

[the_man]

Howdy.

The room I'll be recording in has 7-ft ceilings. People have said the for recording drums, 12-ft+ ceilings are best. What negatives will I hear with lower ceilings?

Also, If its just a question of distance form the kit and room ambience, why cant I place then out in front of/to the side of/behind the kit instead of over the kit to get the required distance?

Thanks.

 

[Track Rat]

I have 7' ceilings in my room also. Small rooms GENERALLY sound bad so ambience is somewhat lacking. I place my overheads close (about two drum stick lengths over the snare.