Single Vs. Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors

So, are you new to the wonderful hobby of Metal Detecting and struggling to work out what machine to purchase? All this talk of frequencies and settings just confusing you more? Lets break this down for you and explain the two main types of metal detectors. 


There are two main types of metal detectors most modern manufactures produce:

Single Frequency Metal Detectors

A single frequency metal detector operates at a single frequency, typically between 5 and 20kHz. These detectors work well for detecting larger metal objects, such as coins and jewellery, but may struggle with smaller or deeply buried targets, or with identifying the type of metal. They can also be affected by mineralization in the ground, which can cause false signals.

Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors

A multi-frequency metal detector typically uses a combination of low and high frequencies to search for metal objects. Low frequencies, such as 5-10kHz, are better at detecting large and deep objects, while high frequencies, such as 20-40kHz, are more sensitive to small and shallow objects.

By using a combination of both low and high frequencies, a multi-frequency metal detector can search for a wide range of metal objects of different sizes and depths.
 

Additionally, multi-frequency metal detectors can also filter out certain types of signals, such as those caused by mineralization in the ground. By using different frequencies and adjusting the detector's settings, the user can fine-tune the detector's sensitivity to specific types of metal.


What are the advantages of a Single Frequency Metal Detector?

  • Simplicity: Single frequency metal detectors are simpler in design and operation, making them easier to use and less likely to malfunction.
  • Affordability: Single frequency metal detectors are generally less expensive than multi-frequency detectors, making them a more accessible option for budget-conscious consumers. 
  • Ease of use: Single frequency metal detectors are often more straight-forward to operate, with fewer settings to adjust and less complexity to worry about. 
Overall, single frequency metal detectors offer a good balance of simplicity, affordability, and performance, making them a good choice for many metal detecting enthusiasts. 

What are the advantages of a Multi-Frequency Metal Detector?

  • Improved Depth: Multi-frequency metal detectors can detect deeper targets compared to single frequency metal detectors, as they operate at multiple frequencies, allowing them to reach deeper into the ground.
  • Better Discrimination: The multiple frequencies used in a multi-frequency metal detector can provide improved discrimination capabilities, allowing the user to better distinguish between metal targets and other objects in the ground. 
  • Better Ground Balance: Multi-frequency metal detectors are typically better equipped to handle mineralization and ground noise, as they are able to cancel out these signals through the use of multiple frequencies. 
  • Versatility: Multi-frequency metal detectors can be used in a variety of applications, such as coin shooting, relic hunting, beach hunting, and gold prospecting, as they are able to detect a wider range of metal targets. 
    Another important feature of multi-frequency metal detector is that it can work in different environments, such as on the beach, in saltwater, or in mineralized soil. Multi-frequency metal detector can be programmed to suit the specific conditions of the area being searched. 

    Which technology is best for me?

    Firstly, it is important to understand the type of ground that you will be searching. If you will mainly be detecting beaches, a multi-frequency machine will always be the best option. Wet sand contains a high level of mineralisation due to the salt from the sea water. This level of mineralisation will cause single frequency machines to become 'chippy' and give false signals, whereas multi-frequency machines can stabilise themselves very well in this type of environment. Beach detectorists will probably look for a fully waterproof machine, here are our recommendations: 

    Nokta Legend WHP - £759.95 - More Info

    Nokta's first simultaneous multi-frequency metal detector The LEGEND is loaded with features that makes it one of best multi-purpose detector, adaptable for all types of targets and ground conditions. It's depth and advanced discrimination capability in trashy sites along with its silent and stable operation on the beach and underwater.

    Operating Frequencies Multi(2), 4kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 40kHz
    Audio Frequencies 100Hz – 1200Hz Adjustable
    Search Modes 4 (Park / Field / Beach / Gold Field)
    Custom User Profiles 4
    Wireless Audio Bluetooth Low Latency (Headphones included with WHP & Pro Pack)
    Audio Tones 60
    Tone Volume Yes
    Tone Break Yes
    Tone Frequency Yes
    Adjustable Threshold Yes
    Notch Filter Yes
    Ground Balance Automatic / Manual / Tracking
    Pinpoint Yes
    Frequency Shift Yes
    Noise Cancellation Yes
    Vibration Yes
    Sensitivity Setting 30 Levels
    Target ID 01-60
    Search Coil The Legend WHP:
    Waterproof DD Search Coil 28cm / 11″ (LG28)
    The Legend PRO PACK:
    Waterproof DD Search Coil 28cm / 11″ (LG28)
    Waterproof DD Search Coil 15cm / 6″ (LG15)
    Display Custom LCD
    Backlight Yes
    LED Flashlight Yes
    Weight 1.4 kg (3.0lbs.) Including The Search Coil
    Length 63cm – 132cm (25″ – 52″) Adjustable
    Battery 5050mAh Lithium Polymer
    Warranty 3 Years

     

    Minelab Equinox 900 - £1129.00 - More Info

    Minelab's latest edition to the Equinox series, it's multi-frequency metal detector designed for various types of metal detecting, including coin shooting, relic hunting, and beach detecting. It operates on multiple frequencies simultaneously, providing users with improved target identification and discrimination capabilities, therefore making it a great choice if you plan on detecting in different environments, including beaches.

    Search Modes Park, Field, Beach, Gold
    All-Metal Shortcut Yes
    Custom Search Profiles 8
    User Profile Button Yes
    Operating Frequencies (kHz) Multi, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40
    Noise Cancel Auto (19 Channels), Manual
    Ground Balance Auto, Manual, Tracking
    Sensitivity 1 to 28
    Target Volume 0 to 25
    Threshold Level 0 to 25
    Threshold Pitch 0 to 25
    Target Identification (TID) 119 segment notch discrimination: Ferrous: -19 to 0 I Non-ferrous: 1 to 99
    Target Tones 1,2, 5, All Tones (At), Depth (dP)
    Tone Break Ferrous, Non-ferrous (t1, t2, t3, t4)
    Tone Pitch All tones adjustable: 0 to 25
    Tone Volume All tones adjustable: 0 to 25
    Recovery Speed 1 to 8
    Iron Bias 0 to 9
    Depth Indicator 5 Levels
    Discrimination Segments 119 Segments
    Pinpoint Mode Yes
    Wireless Audio Yes - Bluetooth Low Latency
    Length (approx.) Collapsed: 61 cm (24 in) – Extended: 144 cm (56.7 in)
    Weight 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs)
    Display Monochrome LCD
    Display and Keypad Backlight (red) Off, High, Medium, Low
    Flashlight On, Off
    Vibration On, Off per Tone Region
    Supplied Coil EQX11 11″ Double-D coil with skid plate, EQX06 6″ Coil with skid plate
    Audio Output In-built loudspeaker, Wired 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones, Wireless headphones
    Supplied Headphones Minelab ML 85 Low Latency wireless headphones
    Battery 3.7V/5100 mAh Internal Lithium-lon battery
    Waterproof 5m (16 ft) IP68

    What if I don't plan on detecting beaches?

    If you are looking for a metal detector that will predominantly be used for inland detecting, then a single frequency machine is a viable option. Single frequency machines handle most environments very well and are by far the more budget friendly option. Performance is still very good and there are some great machines out there to help you on your way to starting the hobby, here is our recommendation: 

    Nokta Simplex Ultra WHP - £475.95 - More Info

    Nokta's Simplex range continues to be unrivalled in terms of making quality metal detecting available and affordable for all by offering 3 different models at different price levels. Whether you’re a beginner or you want an affordable yet powerful detector, Simplex has you covered! The Ultra being the higher model in the range has all the features and settings of the higher end detectors on the market at a fraction of the cost. You can read our full comparison between all of the New Generation Simplex models Here.

    Operating Frequency 15kHz
    Bluetooth Enabled Yes ( Headphones included with WHP Pack)
    Search Modes Field, Park, 4 Tone, 99 Tone, Beach, All Metal
    Pinpoint Yes
    Target ID 01-99
    Notch Discrimination Yes
    Sensitivity Setting 30 Levels
    Volume 5 Levels
    Ground Balance Automatic / Manual
    Vibration Yes
    Backlight Yes
    Keypad Backlight Yes
    LED Flashlight Yes
    Frequency Shift Yes
    Iron Off Yes
    Ground Suppressor Yes
    Threshold (All Metal) Yes
    Coin & Relic ID Scale Yes
    Target ID Depth Yes
    Recovery Speed Yes
    Tone Break Yes
    Tone Frequency Yes
    Tone Volume Yes
    Firmware Updatable Yes
    Search Coil Waterproof DD Search Coil 28 cm / 11″ (SX28)
    Shaft Fully Carbon Fibre
    Display Graphic LCD
    Weight 1.2kg (2.6lbs)
    Length 25″-52″ adjustable
    Battery 2300mAh Lithium
    Warranty

    3 Years

    Waterproof

    Up to 5m


    What other options are available?

    Just to confuse things even more, selectable single frequency machines are a thing! A selectable frequency metal detector is a type of metal detector that allows the user to manually choose from different operating frequencies.

    Operating frequencies refer to the number of electromagnetic waves emitted by the metal detector to detect and respond to metal targets in the ground. Each frequency interacts differently with various types of metals and ground conditions.

    The ability to select different frequencies makes these detectors versatile, allowing users to adapt to different types of metal detecting environments and targets. For example, lower frequencies are often better for detecting larger and deeper targets, while higher frequencies are more sensitive to smaller objects and can be advantageous in mineralised soil.

    Although these machines can adapt to the environment they operate in, it is important to note that a fully multi frequency machine will still have the advantage in most circumstances, especially wet sand beaches. 

    If this is a type of technology you might consider, here is out recommendation:

    Minelab X-Terra Pro - £329.00 - More Info

    Minelab have re-vamped the old X-Terra series to release a single, cutting-edge switchable, single-frequency detector.

    The X-Terra Pro is an entry-level/intermediate, waterproof detector.

    Search Modes Park, Field, Beach
    All-Metal Shortcut yes
    Custom Search Profiles 6
    Operating Frequencies (kHz) Park and Field: 5, 10, 15 | Beach: 8
    Noise Cancel Auto (19 Channels)
    Ground Balance Auto, Manual, Tracking
    Sensitivity 1 to 25
    Target Volume 0 to 25
    Threshold Level 0 to 25
    Threshold Pitch Fixed
    Target Identification (TID) 119 segment notch discrimination: Ferrous: -19 to 0 I Non-ferrous: 1 to 99
    Target Tones l, 2, 5, All Tones (At), Depth (dP)
    Tone Break Ferrous (FE)
    Tone Volume Tone 1 adjustable: 0 to 25
    Recovery Speed 1 to 3
    Depth Indicator 5 Levels
    Discrimination Segments 30 segments (in increments of 4 Target ID’s)
    Pinpoint Mode yes
    Wireless Audio yes
    Length (approx.) Collapsed: 63 cm (25 in) Extended: 138 cm (54 in)
    Weight (including batteries) 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs)
    Display Monochrome LCD
    Display and Keypad Backlight (red) Off, High, Low
    Flashlight On, Off
    Vibration (Master and Ferrous) On, Off
    Supplied Coil V12X 12″ Double-D Elliptical coil with skid plate
    Audio Output In-built loudspeaker, Wired 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones, Wireless headphones (not included)
    Battery 3.7V/5100 mAh Internal Lithium-lon battery
    Additional Included Accessories Getting Started Guide, Charging Cable
    Waterproof 5m (16 ft) IP68

    Conclusion 

    Hopefully this brief guide to the key technologies that our range of detectors offer has answered some of your questions. In short there is no perfect detector, but more of a detector that will suit the needs and uses that you require. 

    If you have any questions or require any advice then please don't hesitate to contact one of our team on 01635 597975 or use our live chat feature on our website