I've been using the Zoom H4 for some time for recording dances as well as a number of other situations, and am extremely pleased with it. The H4 costs more than the H2, but the H4 has the advantage of having two input jacks that accept both XLR and 1/4" phone plug connections. I regularly use this ability to record from the "Tape/CD Out" jacks on the sound board. When that's not possible the Zoom devices (either one) do a fabulous job with their external mikes.