I've had a couple of Samson microphones. Chinese built, modestly underwhelming. Can't quite remember the model number? Maybe 990? Either way a reasonable rugged build. I didn't much care for the sound because I'm spoiled. So I gave the pair to a friend.

I get a certain kind of drum sound with a certain hand-picked selection of microphones I like. I don't do it the same way every time. A lot depends upon the drum kit & the style of music so, I'm into variety. Any microphones of decent workable quality, in the hands of a skilled engineer can make perfectly lovely recordings. And after all, isn't that the idea? When you work with unfamiliar microphones as I have many times, it's more of a crapshoot. You're just not sure of the microphones good or bad qualities. The good engineer will still get a good recording either way. So it is in your price range, go for it! If you don't like the way it sounds try swapping out a couple with something else, you have lying around. I think you'll find the microphones kit to be largely satisfactory & adequate.

Adequately pleased with most any microphones
Ms. Remy Ann David

That's what I was thinking. I was looking into it cause it would be a good start and just swap out pieces as money allows. I just can't find any demo's with anyone using them to hear a general tone.

I have that Samson 8-mic drum set. They work better than I can use them. Because of my lack of experience and lack of a good drum space, I haven't been happy with my recordings so far.

Another of the reasons I bought the set was to have the 2 C01s and the C02 to use for other recording duties. Over time, they have proved to be a valuable resource. Now that my collection has grown to include better mics, they mostly get used for live recordings -- still, they work remarkably well. I won't get a chance to record a full set of drums for while, so I don't have any well-recorded drum samples.

That was my thinking when I bought the 7 mic kit - I wanted to have something to build on. Now that I have more mics, I still use the kit, but not entirely.

I was never really a fan of the kick mic for the kick, or the tom mic on the floor tom. The tom mic worked well for rack toms, but I couldn't get a great sound on the floor. Once I was able to afford a better kick mic, I tried the Samson kick on the floor tom and it seemed to work well.

I can send you a clip of that recording (I only used the tom mic on the rack and the kick mic on the floor tom, though), if it'll help you. Send me your email and I'll get it to you.

The only mics I didn't replace are the mics I just mentioned. But, the 7 mic kit doesn't have the same overhead mics as the 8 mic kit, so you might have better luck.