The microphones on those dictation machines are usually very poor. The frequency response is usually poor as well.

Frequency response is the range of frequencies (notes) that machine will record effectively.

It is designed for speech and a narrow frequency response and it is quite adequate for that task. If you use it for music however, the bass end of your music will probably be very weak.

Try recording it on a computer?

A good tape recorder may even be better.

Instead of miking up every member of the band, try the Blümheim placement technique. It's done with two mikes. Its very easy and very effective. BBC frequently use it for entire brass bands or choirs.

It's designed to imitate the pickup pattern of a human head and makes for the best stereo image.

Two microphones fastened to gether in an X pattern so that they are pointing 60 degrees apart. Place them high in the air above the band if you can. Plug them into a little mixer and connect that to the inputs of your recording machine. Tape them together but put a little piece of foam or cloth between them to reduce any vibration effects between them.

If none of this is not practical for you, try putting the dictation machine in the corner of a room and place the band around it as close as possible.

Good luck with the dance club. It's a good thing your doing there. More power to your elbow!!

Finally, if you are within striking distance of central Lancashire I could record you. No charge for such a worthy objective.

M of A ( Ian )