Is there any value in multi-frequency metal detectors? In this article, I’ll give my honest opinion on whether or not a multi-frequency metal detector is worth your money.
Metal detectors with multiple frequencies are not any better. Why? Because, despite having a wide range of frequencies (which picks up targets missed and increases your chances of finding a target), you will pay a high price in terms of depth and detection speed.
It’s been suggested that the lack of affordable multi-frequency detectors on the market is due to a patent on simultaneous multi-frequency technology held by one manufacturer. Other metal detector manufacturers were unable to produce multi-frequency detectors as a result.
What is the meaning of frequency in metal detecting?
Frequency in metal detecting means the rate at which electronic waves travel per second whenever it is being used to search for iron, gold, jewelry, etc. in the ground.
Types of metal detectors
Metal detectors are generally classified into three (3) categories based on their usage and frequency. The three types of metal detectors available include multi-frequency detectors, pulse induction (PI) detectors, and very low frequency (VLF) detectors.
1. Multifrequency metal detectors
According to its name, it has a multi-feature that makes it more powerful than VLF and pi detectors because it is designed to detect both low conductivity and high conductivity targets at the same time. With a multifrequency metal detector, you can easily detect gold, silver, coins, and iron on beaches, rivers, and lakes. It is mostly designed to be waterproof, lightweight, and durable.
2. Very Low Frequency (VLF) Detectors
The VLF detector is a type of detector that runs from 6 kHz to 15 kHz. It has two coils that transmit and receive. The transmitting coil in these detectors creates a magnetic field while the detector coil picks up any disturbance created in the field by conductive materials. Moreover, VLF is popularly known and used by beginners and experts to find coins, relics, and jewelry.
3. Pulse Induction (PI) Detectors
The PI detector is also a detector that is highly rated by its users. The detector has a single coil that transmits and detects conductive materials at a time. Pi detectors are good for finding deeper targets and are mostly used for searching for treasures, coins, and nails on beaches, rivers, or underwater.
What is a multi-frequency metal detector?
A multi-frequency metal detector is a type of detector that detects more than one target at a time whenever it is being used. It detects both low conductivity and high conductivity targets at the same time.
However, multi-frequency is often called full band spectrum frequency technology because it allows the user to get the best depth and accuracy at the same time. It can be used to search for hidden treasures like gold and silver, artifacts, iron, and coins on beaches, rivers, or underwater.
What frequency do metal detectors use?
A metal detector frequency mostly ranges from 1.5 kHz each second to 100 kHz each second, while some metal detector frequencies range from 3 kHz to 100 kHz.
What frequency is best for gold detecting?
Gold specifically has better conductivity with higher frequency waves than lower ones. When searching for gold, you will need a 14kHz or above detector to get a better result. The best detector that can be used for gold detectors is multi-frequency, but if you have a detector with a single frequency machine, you can use it.
What is the best practice frequency for monitoring metal detectors?
When using metal detectors to search for metals, the beat frequency you can target most ranges from 5kHz to 15kHz. To be specific, users can use frequencies higher than this, but it is advisable for beginners to use this range; when they become experts at using the machine, they can now use the frequency that suits their search.
Is a multi-frequency metal detector worth it?
According to research and user reviews, a multi-frequency metal detector is worth it. The reason why it is highly preferred and rated is that it multi-tasks by detecting multiple targets at a time and also solves solutions that a single frequency can’t solve within a short period of time. In addition, what makes it worthwhile is that it can detect both low conductivity and high conductivity targets at the same time.
Is a metal detector a good investment?
A metal detector is a good investment as it can be used to search for metals or hidden treasures in any area. If you have misplaced jewelry, a coin, a key, or any metal-like material in your compound or garden, you can use a metal detector to locate it. If you are an expert at using a detector, you can either help others by helping them find lost equipment and getting paid for it or lease it out when it is needed.
Multi-frequency vs. single-frequency metal detector
A multifrequency metal detector, as it is called, is built with a single frequency that detects more than one target at a time. It can detect both low conductivity and high conductivity targets at the same time.
Multifrequency has a long-range of detection, and it is popularly used for locating pipes and cables faster. This detector is often called full-band spectrum frequency technology because it allows its user to get the best depth and accuracy at the same time.
Single-frequency metal detector devices operate at one frequency, which ranges from under 10 kHz per second to above 30 kHz per second. Its single-frequency detector is fast in detecting metals and other components, but what makes it different is that it detects a single target object when using it.
Nokta simultaneous multi-frequency
The Nokta simultaneous multi-frequency metal detector is a detector that is specially made for searching for gold, silver, and artifacts faster. Its frequency ranges around 5kHz, 14kHz, and 20kHz. It has a battery life span of 19 hours. The metal detector is suitable to operate in all environmental conditions, including saltwater beaches, parks, and rivers.
Nokta’s simultaneous multi-frequency metal detector is waterproof and goes up to 5 meters underwater. It has a waterproof control box, waterproof cable, and waterproof battery pack.
| A metal detector frequency chart |
| Device ModelManufacturerFrequency TypeFrequencies | |||
| TDI SL | Whites | Dual 2.6–3 kHz | |
| Impact Pro | Nokta 5 – 14 – 20 kHz MacroMulti Frequency | ||
| Garrett ACE APEX | Garrett | 5 – 10 – 15 – 20 kHz Multi-Frequency | |
| Fisher F44 | Fisher Labs | Single | 7.69 kHz |
| Garrett ACE 400i | Garrett | Single | 10 kHz |
| Multi Kruzer | Nokta Makro | Multi-Frequency | 5kHz/14kHz/19kHz |
| Equinox | Minelab | 5 – 10 – 15 – 20 – 40 kHz Multi-Frequency |
Metal detector frequency for gold
Before you think of selecting a frequency for gold, you should make use of a detecting machine with a higher frequency because gold has low conductive properties that make it difficult to detect.
The best high frequency you can tune your metal detector for gold detecting is 45kHz–61kHz, but if you are a beginner, you can target frequencies that range from 6.5kHz–14kHz. Below are the best metal detectors for gold with high frequency:
- Detech SSP 5100 Deep Seeking Metal Detector Two Coil Pro-Package
- Garrett GTI-2500 Metal Detector with Depth Multiplier
- Fisher Gemini 3 Metal Detectors
- Nokta Makro Invenio Pro Pack Smart Metal Detector and Imaging System.
New metal detectors coming out in 2021.
Bounty Hunter Tracker IV Metal Detector.
- It has a three-position mode switch: Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode.
- In extreme ground conditions, a strong metal detector is ideal for detecting treasure.
- It detects the presence of all metals, including gold, silver, brass, aluminum, iron, and steel.
- Coil Size: 8-inch waterproof coil
- It operates on two 9V alkaline batteries.
- It has an adjustable stem.
- It has a bounty arc stand that prevents the detector from being damaged when placed on the ground.
- 8-Inch Waterproof Searchcoil
Nokta Makro Simplex
The Nokta Makro simplex metal detector is produced by Nokta Makro. The device is waterproof and it is built with 11 coils. Users of this detecting machine can easily use it to search for modes such as metal, field, park, and beach. It has an LCD backlight that can be used underwater and in dark areas. ability to turn off or adjust the volume of the low iron tone.
Garrett AT Pro
Headphones for Garret are included. It has an adjustable arm strap and cuff. The Garret AT Pro metal detector has a fully waterproof control box. It has a fast track ground balance that allows users to quickly ground balance the detector in mineralized soil conditions.
8.5″ x 11″ PRO Performance DD Searchcoil Included Garret AT Pro is waterproof and submersible up to 10 feet.
XP-DEUS metal detector
The XP-Deus is a multi-frequency metal detector that operates fast and is easy to use for beginners. It has different operating modes, including wet beach, dry beach, relic, coin hunting, five additional preset modes, and an expert menu to create custom programs. Some of its features include:
- The ZP Deus has a waterproof coil and a control box.
- The XP Deus has high-performance lithium batteries that can be used for up to 25 hours before they run out.
- It has 3 wireless headphone choices (WS6/WSA II/WSA II-XL), which you can use when finding gold, silver, and iron.
- Zp Deus has a fast and simultaneous multi-frequency
The top 5 multi-frequency metal detectors on Amazon
- White Metal Detector
A white metal detector is a device specifically designed with a high frequency that can be used for finding gold. It operates on a multi-frequency. Its features include:
- A white metal detector displays the number of magnetic minerals in the ground.
- The white metal detector has a waterproof search coil that can be used in streams and rivers.
- It has a manual control that is specifically designed for professional users.
- The detector is good for finding gold because its frequency operates above 48 kHz.
- It consumes low power and uses 8AA batteries.
2. Fisher F44 Metal Detector
The Fisher F44 metal detector is a detecting machine that is specially designed to locate targets faster. The Fisher f44 metal detector is waterproof, and it can be used in the rain, on beaches, or inside the river. Below are the features of the detecting machine:
Adjustment: It has manual ground balance adjustments. The Fisher f44 metal detector has a digital iron audio volume control, which allows you to adjust the volume of iron targets while also hearing highly reflective targets such as gold, silver, and coins. It improves clarity on the target by automatically specifying the sounds.
Static pinpoint mode: it allows users to pinpoint the exact location of their target when using it. It operates on low-power 2AA batteries that are used for up to 30 hours before they run out of power. Fisher f44 does not consume more power.
Display: The Fisher F44 detector has a backlight that helps you see the data it produces in low-light areas.
3. Teknetics T2 Classic Metal Detector with Waterproof
The Teknetics T2’s classic metal detector is waterproof and uses 4-AA batteries that last up to 40 hours. Its legendary performance, coupled with its lightweight and perfect balance, makes the T2 the best metal detector. The T2 metal detector is good at targeting coins, relic hunting, and gold prospecting.
- Minelab Equinox 600 Multi-IQ Metal Detector with EQX 11″ Double D Smart Coil
- Waterproofing allows you to detect activity under the surface of oceans, rivers, streams and lakes up to 3 m (10 ft).
- You can easily switch to any of the 3 modes you want to use for your research: park, field, or beach.
- It identifies targets quickly and confidently to efficiently sort between trash and treasure.
5. Garrett AT MAX Waterproof Metal Detector
Garret At Max is one of the best metal detectors, highly rated on Amazon. It is fast and reliable. It uses four AA batteries. Garret At Max has a built-in circuit that transmits audio to wireless headphones faster and without interruption. It has a backlight that helps you see the data it produces in low-light areas. The Garret At Max metal detector has a 13.6 kHz operating frequency and provides excellent detection on a wide range of targets, including silver coins, gold jewelry, and brass relics.