A multi-frequency metal detector generally emits three to five different frequencies simultaneously. The advantage here is that a target that does not match a specific frequency can be picked up by the rest of the frequencies, thus increasing your search possibilities.
However, when a detector sends multiple frequencies simultaneously, it requires a lot of processing, which can cost performance and hurt depth and reactivity.
Multi-frequency metal detectors are excellent for detecting beaches and saltwater. They are more stable than most single-frequency detectors.
An excellent example of a multi-frequency metal detector is the Minelab Equinox 800, which includes five frequencies: five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and forty kHz.
Metal detectors like the XP DEUS and XP ORX offer an astounding twenty-one frequencies, but not all at once. The frequency ranges from a minimum of thirteen kHz to a maximum of eighty-one kHz and everything in between.
Such a wide range of frequencies means that the detector can be used for a detecting hobby where the low frequency is best, while it can also be used to find gold, for which high frequency is required. Therefore, it can be said that the metal detector that offers a wide range of frequencies is more versatile.
However, single-frequency emitters will perform better as they do not have to emit multiple frequencies, resulting in better depth, faster response, and similar performance gains.
However, having a wide range of frequencies to choose from is better suited for experienced and professional detectorists as they know which frequency is best suited for the target they are hunting. Fine-tuning the detector for better frequency results provides better quality.
It has been said that there are so few affordable multi-frequency metal detectors on the market because a particular manufacturer had a patent on the multi-frequency technology. Consequently, other manufactures could not bring in multi-frequency detectors to the market.
It reduced competition and, at the same time, slowed down the development and innovation of multiple frequencies. However, these patents expired last year, and we are starting to see other metal detector manufacturers making multi-frequency detectors.
Now that the patent has expired, we can expect rapid technological changes and advancements in multi-frequency metal detection technologies. Finally, there is competition in the market, which is good news for consumers. Expect to see a wide range of multi-frequency metal detectors at great prices.
Earlier this year, the Nokta Makro metal detectors company announced that it would launch a new multi-frequency metal detector. Nokta Makro metal detectors are pretty popular among detectorists, with Simplex and Simplex + achieving great success.
In the next couple of years, multi-frequency metal detectors are going to revolutionize the market. Since the patents are no longer an obstacle for manufacturers, in the coming years, simultaneous multi-frequency technology will develop and mature rapidly, thanks to the competition where other manufacturers are now investing in research and development for this technology.