The Catalogue
Multi-Frequency Detectors
A multi-frequency metal detector transmits several frequencies at the same time, then combines the readings into one richer picture of what lies underground. That is the decisive advantage over a single-frequency VLF machine: a low frequency reaches deep, high-conductive silver and large targets, while a high frequency lights up small, low-conductive gold and thin jewellery — and a true simultaneous detector sees both at once. The result is more depth, a sharper and more stable Target ID, faster recovery between targets in trashy, nail-littered ground, and rock-steady performance on wet salt sand and surf where single-frequency detectors chatter endlessly.
At AO Gold Detectors we stock the three platforms that lead this category. Minelab's Multi-IQ powers the Equinox 600, 700, 800 and 900 and the affordable Vanquish 340 and 540, with Multi-IQ+ in the flagship Manticore; the proven FBS 2 of the GPS-equipped CTX 3030 and the 17-frequency BBS of the fully submersible Excalibur II round out the Minelab range. Garrett's Multi-Flex drives the ACE Apex, switching from single frequencies to simultaneous Multi-Frequency and a dedicated Multi-Salt mode. XP's FMF (Fast Multi Frequency) runs in the wireless Deus II — waterproof to 20 m — and in the deep-seeking Xtrem Hunter.
Every unit is genuine, authorised stock backed by the full manufacturer warranty, delivered across West, Central and North Africa. Tell us where you hunt — coins and relics, beaches, or mixed iron-trashy sites — on WhatsApp, in Arabic, French or English, and we'll match the right multi-frequency detector to your ground and budget.
13 products · Garrett · Minelab · XP
USA
Australia
How to choose
- Why simultaneous beats switchable: a true multi-frequency detector (Multi-IQ, Multi-Flex, FMF) transmits all frequencies at once, so you get depth and small-target sensitivity together — unlike a switch-one-frequency-at-a-time VLF where you must pick a compromise.
- Salt sand and beaches: this is where multi-frequency earns its keep. Minelab Multi-IQ (Equinox 700/900, Manticore), Garrett's Multi-Salt mode on the ACE Apex and the submersible Excalibur II stay stable on wet salt where single-frequency machines false constantly.
- Depth and Target ID: combining low and high frequencies gives deeper detection and a steadier, more accurate Target ID — the Equinox 900 reads a 119-segment ID and the Manticore adds a 2D Target ID map.
- Trashy, iron-littered ground: fast recovery speed lets multi-frequency detectors separate a good target sitting next to a nail. The ACE Apex (Fast Target Recovery) and Deus II (FMF) shine on old, junk-heavy sites.
- Waterproofing: pick the depth you need — Equinox 700/900 and Manticore are IP68 to 5 m, CTX 3030 to 3 m, Deus II to 20 m, Excalibur II to 60 m; the ACE Apex control box is rainproof only.
- Buy genuine and ask first: confirm authorised stock and manufacturer warranty (Minelab/Garrett 3 years, XP 5), then message us on WhatsApp in your language for a recommendation matched to your ground and budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is a multi-frequency metal detector, and why does simultaneous matter?
A multi-frequency detector transmits more than one frequency to read targets across the full conductivity range at once. The word that matters is simultaneous: machines like the Minelab Equinox (Multi-IQ), Garrett ACE Apex (Multi-Flex) and XP Deus II (FMF) send every frequency together in real time, so a single sweep is sensitive to both deep silver and tiny gold. An older selectable-frequency VLF makes you switch one frequency at a time and accept a compromise; a simultaneous detector removes that trade-off, giving more depth, steadier Target ID and better results in mixed ground.
Does multi-frequency really detect deeper than a single-frequency VLF?
In most real ground, yes. By combining low and high frequencies at once, a multi-frequency detector recovers depth on high-conductive targets that a high single frequency would miss, while keeping the small-target sensitivity a low single frequency would lose. It also reads the soil more accurately, so depth holds up in mineralised and salty ground instead of collapsing. Exact depth always depends on target size, coil and soil — we quote each model's manufacturer figures on its product page rather than promise one number — but as a category, simultaneous multi-frequency is the more capable, more stable choice.
Why is multi-frequency better on wet salt sand and beaches?
Salt water is conductive, so a single-frequency VLF reacts to the salt itself and chatters with constant false signals exactly where rings and coins are buried. A multi-frequency detector uses its different frequencies to separate the salt response from real targets and cancel it out, holding a clean and stable signal. Minelab's Multi-IQ (Equinox 700/900, Manticore) has dedicated Beach modes, the Garrett ACE Apex adds a Multi-Salt mode, and the BBS-based Excalibur II is a classic saltwater machine — all far steadier on wet sand than any single-frequency unit.
Which multi-frequency detector should I choose — Equinox, Manticore, ACE Apex or Deus II?
It depends on budget and ambition. To start affordably, the Minelab Vanquish 340/540 and Equinox 600 give true Multi-IQ at an entry price. The Equinox 700 and 900 add more modes, frequencies and IP68-to-5 m waterproofing for all-round and beach use. The flagship Manticore (Multi-IQ+) offers the most power, depth and a 2D Target ID map. Garrett's ACE Apex (Multi-Flex) is a versatile, lighter option with Multi-Salt, and the wireless XP Deus II (FMF, waterproof to 20 m) is the choice for travelling hunters who want a configurable, modular machine. Tell us your ground and budget on WhatsApp and we'll match the right one.
Are your multi-frequency detectors genuine and warranty-backed, and how do I order?
Yes. AO Gold Detectors is an authorised dealer and every detector is genuine stock backed by the full manufacturer warranty — typically 3 years for Minelab and Garrett and up to 5 years for XP. We deliver across West, Central and North Africa with support in Arabic, French and English. There is no online checkout — you enquire directly on WhatsApp, where our team confirms availability and price, advises on the right model for your ground and arranges delivery to your country.