kHz is the most misunderstood number in detecting. Here's what it actually predicts — with real machines as examples.
kHz is the most misunderstood number in detecting. Here's what it actually predicts — with real machines as examples.
Frequency is how fast the coil's field oscillates, in kilohertz. Low frequencies (3–8 kHz) penetrate deeper and love big, highly conductive targets — silver coins, large relics. Mid frequencies (10–20 kHz) are the all-rounders: coins, jewelry, general detecting. High frequencies (40–81 kHz) light up tiny, low-conductivity targets — small gold nuggets — but lose depth and hate mineralized ground.
Higher frequency also means more sensitivity to ground minerals and EMI. That's why high-frequency gold machines live or die by their ground balance — and why "higher kHz" alone never makes a machine better.
Mid frequencies, roughly 10–15 kHz, hit the coin sweet spot: good depth on coin-sized targets with solid discrimination. Multi-frequency machines cover this and more in one package.
High: 45 kHz and up. The Gold Monster 1000 (45 kHz), Gold Bug 2 (71 kHz), and XP ORX (up to 81 kHz) exist precisely because small gold needs high frequency.
No — often the opposite. Higher frequency = better small-target sensitivity but less depth on larger targets and more ground noise. Depth comes from coil size, ground conditions, and target size as much as frequency.
Frequency is one variable among many. A well-balanced 15 kHz machine in the hands of someone who understands ground balance will outperform a poorly understood 71 kHz machine every time.