LD - I was taught the set-up by a pro recording guy, maybe Ron got it from Johns, I don't know. I do know it works really well for me. The last band I played in is a good example. I subbed for the regular drummer of a working Blues band for a little over 6 mos. Guitar, bass, keyboard, sax, harp, & vocals. We played a lot of outdoor gigs, local Blues Festivals, holiday gigs etc. For outdoors, the mic set-up is absolutely necessary or the drums get lost. The bands main 'indoor' gig was at a local hotel. The 'Ballroom' as it was called was an acoustic nightmare. Rugs everywhere, popcorn ceilings, textured walls, the worst. I couldn't hear my own drums sometimes and I was sitting right over them! Sound was just being absorbed. With the mics and PA system the band uses, the band-leader controlled the mix and we sounded good out front. Without the mics, on that gig, I would have been dead in the water. It all depends on where you're playing, what kind of music, and how many other instruments are in the band. I've needed mics for the last four bands I worked in.
John