Metal Detector Frequency Complete Guide

If you’re new to metal detecting or you are unsure about the role and importance of metal detector frequency, it’s essential to understand this aspect in detail.

In this blog, we’ll cover all key aspects of metal detector frequencies. It will include the pros and cons of high frequency metal detector and very low frequency metal detector. We’ve also discussed single and multi frequency metal detectors in detail.

What Is Metal Detector Frequency?

In metal detecting, frequency refers to the number of electronic waves the detector sends into the ground every second. 

The frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). It is key to what types and sizes of metal objects you can find and how deeply you can locate them.

Choosing the Right Metal Detector Frequency

Selecting the right frequency for your metal-detecting device plays a key role when you are looking for buried or lost metals.

GoldXtra’s metal detectors have optimal frequencies for all your treasure-hunting needs. They ensure you have the right tool for every job.

Understanding the frequencies will help you a lot but we recommend you also learn about metal detector settings to double the chances of your success.

Metal Detector Frequency Chart

Frequency For Deep Treasure Hunting:

• When your goal is to locate larger items buried deep underground, like a hidden cache or a significant relic, a lower frequency (below 6 kHz) is best. Lower frequencies penetrate deeper into the ground. They are better at finding treasures beyond the reach of higher-frequency detectors.

Frequency For General Treasure Hunting:

• If you’re out for a day of fun, searching for a mix of items like coins, jewelry, or relics, a mid-range frequency (between 7 kHz and 15 kHz) is perfect. It offers a good balance between depth and sensitivity, allowing you to find a variety of treasures without much fuss.

Frequency For Relics and Coin Shooting:

• If you’re on the hunt for older coins or relics that might be buried deeper, choose a detector with a frequency below 10 kHz. These lower frequencies penetrate the ground well. They pick up valuable, older items buried beneath layers of soil.

Frequency For Gold and Fine Jewelry:

• For small, delicate items like fine jewelry, use a high-frequency detector. It’s your best friend for finding tiny pieces of gold. Frequencies above 15 kHz, especially around 20 kHz, are great for detecting these small, valuable items.

Metal Detector Frequency For Gold Nuggets:

• To target small gold nuggets, use a high-frequency metal detector. It should have a frequency of 35 kHz or higher. These detectors are incredibly sensitive to tiny pieces of gold, making it the best metal detector frequency for gold prospecting in areas known for gold deposits.

Types of Metal Detector Frequency

1. High Frequency
2. Low Frequency
3. Single Frequency
4. Multi-Frequency

Here is a detailed guide on different types of metal detectors you should know.

1. High-Frequency Metal Detectors

Characteristics Of High-Frequency Detecting Machines

High-frequency metal detectors typically operate at frequencies above 30 kHz. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Sensitivity to Small Objects: They can detect smaller objects, such as tiny gold nuggets or fine jewelry, with greater precision.
• Surface-Level Detection: High frequency often means detecting objects closer to the ground. This is ideal for finding recent losses or very small items.
• Better Discrimination: These detectors can tell different metals apart better. So, users can avoid junk.

Uses Of High-Frequency Metal Detectors

• Gold Prospecting:
  Gold, especially in tiny nuggets or flakes, is best detected with higher frequencies. This makes high-frequency metal detectors a top choice for gold nugget hunters.
• Fine Jewelry:
  Lost earrings, chains, or other small jewelry items are easier to spot with high-frequency detectors.
• Beach Combing: Visitor-frequented beaches often hold small lost jewels. A high-frequency detector can help you find them.
• Trash Discrimination: Higher frequencies often allow better discrimination. Users can filter out unwanted junk.

Pros And Cons Of High-Frequency Metal Detectors

Pros:

1. Superior Sensitivity to Small Objects:

• One of the top benefits of high-frequency detectors is their ability to pick up on tiny objects.
  
  If you’re after gold nuggets or small jewelry, this type of detector is the best.

2. Effective Discrimination:

• High-frequency detectors are excellent at distinguishing between different metals.
  
  This discrimination allows users to focus on valuable items and avoid junk.

3. Ideal for Specific Terrains:

• Beaches are perfect for high-frequency detectors. You might find small nuggets or jewelry closer to the surface there.

Cons:

1. Limited Depth:

• One main drawback is that high-frequency detectors might not penetrate as deep as their lower-frequency metal detector counterparts.
  
  This limitation means that treasures buried deep might be missed.

2. Interference in Mineral-Rich Soils:

• In areas with high mineral content in the soil, these detectors might pick up more false signals, leading to potential frustration.

3. Not Suitable for deep-buried Larger Objects:

• If you’re hunting for large-sized and deep-buried relics, a high-frequency detector might not be the best tool for the job.

4. Interference from Saltwater:

• If you’re combing a saltwater beach, high frequencies can pick up more interference caused by salt, leading to false signals.

5. Battery Consumption:

• High frequency often equates to faster battery consumption, meaning more frequent replacements or recharges.

Making An Informed Decision

The key to choosing the best metal detector is understanding your primary goals.

If you’re frequently heading to beaches or areas known for gold, the pros of a high-frequency detector might outweigh the cons. 

2. Low Frequency Metal Detectors

Characteristics Of a Low-Frequency Metal Detector

Low-frequency metal detectors typically operate at a frequency range of 0.3-5 kHz. Whereas a frequency range of 6-15 kHz is usually considered as low to mid-range.

Low-frequency metal detectors have some distinctive traits. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Depth: They are renowned for their ability to detect deeper buried objects, making them ideal for unearthing older relics.
• Sensitivity to Larger Items: Good at finding large-size items, such as Cache of older coins, weapons, relics, and other treasures.
• Broad Signal: Their broader signal can cover more ground, which might be beneficial when scouring vast, open areas.

Uses of Low-Frequency Metal Detector

Their biggest advantage is their ability to penetrate deeper into the ground compared to medium or high-frequency detectors. This makes them suitable for searching for:

• Relic Hunting: Ancient battlegrounds, old settlements, or long-forgotten trails are ideal for these detectors, given their ability to pick up deeper and larger targets.
• Deep caches: If you’re looking for hidden caches of coins, weapons, or other metallic items from past eras, a low-frequency detector can improve your chances of finding them.
• Inland and Wooded Areas: The depth capability proves beneficial when scanning places far from beaches or areas not frequently traveled by people.
• Large buried objects: They can potentially detect historical artifacts, treasure chests, or other large metal objects buried at significant depths.
• Archaeological Applications: In controlled archaeological digs, low-frequency detectors can help locate buried structures or artifacts without damaging them.

Low-frequency Detectors are Also Ideal for Applications Needing Ground Mineralization Reduction:

• Highly mineralized ground can create noise and false positives for higher-frequency detectors. Low frequencies are less affected by ground mineralization, making them a better choice for:
  • Salty Beaches: The saltwater environment can be challenging for some detectors. Low frequencies can help overcome these challenges and potentially detect targets buried in the sand.
  • Mineralized Soil: Certain areas have soil rich in minerals like iron. Low frequencies can minimize false signals caused by mineralization and improve target identification.

Pros And Cons Of Low-Frequency Metal Detectors

Pros:

• Deep Detection: Unearthing objects that have been buried for centuries is within the realm of possibility.
• Stability: They often offer more stable operation in various soil types, including mineralized grounds.
• Larger Targets: They’re proficient at detecting bigger items, making them a top choice for relic hunters.

Cons:

• Miss Smaller Objects: Low frequencies have a longer wavelength and struggle to detect smaller objects. They might miss out on tiny items, like fine jewelry or small gold nuggets. They might miss treasure that a high-frequency detector could pick up.
• Slower Operation: The broader signal might require a slower sweep speed, meaning it requires more time.
• Less Discrimination: These might not be as effective in distinguishing between different types of metals.
• Larger and Heavier Coils: Low-frequency detectors often require larger coils to achieve their deeper penetration. These larger coils can be heavier and more cumbersome to swing, making them less ideal for long detecting sessions

3. Single-Frequency In Metal Detectors

What Is Single-Frequency In Metal Detectors?

In the case of metal detectors, single-frequency means the detector operates on just one frequency at any given time. 

Why Choose Single-Frequency?

1. Specificity:

• Tailored Detection: By choosing a particular frequency, detectorists can target specific types of metals or items.

2. Simplified Operation:

• Ease of Use: Fewer adjustments and settings make it more user-friendly, especially for beginners.

3. Budget-Friendly:

• Affordability: Typically, single-frequency metal detectors are more pocket-friendly compared to their multi-frequency counterparts.

Types Of Single-Frequency Detectors

We have listed various frequency ranges, yet these detectors operate on only one frequency at a time.

We share this comprehensive range to clarify that while these single-frequency detectors are available in multiple options, they can only utilize one frequency at a time. Based on their frequencies, these detectors can be grouped into:

1. Low-Frequency Detectors (1-5 kHz):

• Ideal for relics, coins, and larger gold nuggets.
• Generally deeper penetration.

2. Low Medium-Frequency Detectors (6-15 kHz):

• A balanced choice is suitable for a variety of targets.

3. High Medium-Frequency Detectors (15-29 kHz):

• Offer a good compromise between depth and target detail, making them suitable for a variety of search scenarios

4. High-Frequency Detectors (30 kHz and above):

• Perfect for detecting small gold nuggets.
• Enhanced sensitivity to tiny objects.

Strengths Of Single-Frequency Detectors

1. Precision:

• Focusing on a specific frequency ensures you can target a particular type of metal with higher accuracy.

2. Lightweight:

• These detectors are often more compact and easier to handle, which is great for prolonged searches.

3. Less Interference:

• With just one frequency in play, there’s a reduced risk of signals getting crossed or misinterpreted.

Limitations To Consider

1. Restricted Versatility:

• You’re limited to the detector’s set frequency, which might not be ideal for all terrains or targets.

2. Ground Mineralization Issues:

• In areas with high mineral content, single-frequency detectors might give more false signals unless they have good ground balancing.

3. May Miss Certain Targets:

• A low-frequency detector might miss out on smaller items, while a high-frequency one might not detect deeper relics.

Is Single-Frequency Right For You?

• If you have a specific type of metal or treasure in mind, single-frequency metal detectors can be a good choice.

Experience Level:

• Great for beginners due to its simplicity, but also loved by many pros for its precision.

Budget:

• If you’re just stepping into the world of metal detecting and don’t want to invest heavily, these detectors are a solid pick.

4. Multi-Frequency Metal Detector

Simply put, multi-frequency detectors can transmit and receive multiple frequencies simultaneously. 

Instead of being limited to a low, medium, or high frequency, these detectors cover a broader spectrum, offering more flexibility in various terrains and for different targets.

Why Choose Multi-Frequency?

1. Versatility:

• Single target, multiple frequencies: The detector analyzes signals from various frequencies, enhancing the accuracy of target identification.
• Adaptable: Suitable for different terrains and types of treasure – from gold nuggets to ancient coins and more.

2. Depth & Sensitivity:

• Deep Targets: They combine the depth advantages of low-frequency detectors.
• Fine Treasures: With the sensitivity of high-frequency models, they don’t miss out on smaller items.

3. Ground Mineralization:

• Automatic Adjustments: These detectors are adept at adjusting to the mineral content in the ground, offering clearer signals with fewer false positives.

Benefits Of Using Multi-Frequency Detectors

1. Comprehensive Coverage:

• Scan a site with confidence, knowing you’re not limited by a single frequency.

2. Time-Saver:

• Instead of switching between detectors or adjusting frequencies, the multi-frequency device does the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus solely on the hunt.

3. Improved Target Identification:

• With data from multiple frequencies, these detectors can more accurately distinguish between trash and treasure.

4. Adaptable to Different Terrains:

• Whether you’re on a mineral-rich beach or a historic site inland, these detectors adjust accordingly.

Things To Consider Before Buying Multi-frequency Detector

While multi-frequency detectors sound like every treasure hunter’s dream, there are some points to ponder:

1. Cost:

• Often, these detectors are on the pricier side given their advanced technology.

2. Complexity:

• Beginners might find the multitude of settings and data a tad overwhelming at first.

3. Weight & Portability:

• Some models might be bulkier or heavier than their single-frequency counterparts.

Is Multi-Frequency Right For You?

• If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that caters to various detecting activities, this might be a perfect fit.

Experience Level:

• Depending on understanding beginners can upgrade to these detectors after using the basic model, while seasoned detectorists can make the most of their functionalities.

Budget:

• If you’re willing to invest in a metal detector that’s versatile and offers top-notch performance, consider multi-frequency detectors.

In Conclusion

At GoldXtra, we understand that choosing the right metal detector frequency is key to your success. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned professional looking for that next big find, our range of detectors is designed to meet your specific needs.

From general treasure hunting to coin hunting, we offer the perfect frequency options to ensure you have the best possible chance of success in the field.

By selecting the appropriate frequency for your detecting activities, you can maximize your chances of uncovering hidden treasures and make your metal detecting adventures more rewarding and enjoyable.

Howard rockse

Hey there, I am Howard a deeply committed individual who likes to share my knowledge and insights in this field, having spent over ten years as a metal detectorist.

My experience with GoldXtra has allowed me to provide trustworthy and informative advice to both new and experienced metal-detecting enthusiasts. I’m committed to assisting others in exploring and enjoying the world of metal detecting with the same enthusiasm and dedication that I have.

Howard Rockse
Senior Content Writer at GoldXtra

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