Hey folks, Scott here from the Mental Metal channel and mentalmetaldetecting.com. If you’ve been following my adventures, you know I’m always out in the field testing new gear, new settings, and new techniques to squeeze every last bit of performance out of our metal detectors. Today I’m coming to you from the XP Deus 2 and the new HF2 Coil, where I’ve been getting hands-on with the latest firmware update, version 3.1.
One of the new features includes a small but exciting change: the addition of a Pitch 2 audio mode. Now, before we dive into what’s new, let’s set the stage. Until now, Deus users had a variety of audio modes to choose from — Pitch, five tones, four tones, three tones, two tones, and full tones. Pitch mode has always been one of my go-to settings for certain situations because it’s simple: the pitch of the audio changes depending on the target’s conductivity. But with 3.1, XP has given us a new variant — Pitch 2 — and after spending some time in my test garden, I think this might be my new favorite.
Pitch vs. Pitch 2 — First Impressions
I started my testing with some familiar targets buried in my test garden. These include coins, a half dollar buried nice and deep, and even a gold ring. I first ran through everything using the original Pitch mode so I’d have a good baseline. The tones were what I expected — clean, clear, and perfectly usable.
Then I switched over to Pitch 2. Right away, I noticed something: the signals were louder and more pronounced. The half dollar popped right out of the background noise. The KG coin I keep in the test garden had a stronger, sharper tone too.
It wasn’t just a subtle difference — it genuinely grabbed my attention in a way the original Pitch didn’t. That’s a big deal when you’re out in the field and your brain is trying to filter important signals from iron chatter, ground feedback, and environmental noise.
Real-World Testing (and Dog Distractions)
Now, I should probably mention that my faithful sidekick Rocky was out here with me during the test. As usual, he decided my filming time was the perfect time to chase birds and get into trouble. There were a few moments where I had to break from testing to reel him back in — because apparently, he thought chasing the neighbor’s dog was more exciting than metal detecting.
Even with those interruptions, the difference between Pitch and Pitch 2 was impossible to miss. Switching back and forth between them on the same targets, the change in volume and presence was consistent. Every single target I tried — from shallow coins to deeper ones — sounded more attention-grabbing in Pitch 2.
Digging Into the Details
For those curious about the technical side, I was running my Deus with a range of frequencies offered in my frequency max range. I also checked to see if the difference between Pitch and Pitch 2 changed with higher frequencies, and honestly, the volume boost stayed noticeable.
It’s worth pointing out that this isn’t about target ID changes or magic depth gains — the targets didn’t suddenly become detectable where they weren’t before. What Pitch 2 does is make the signals you already have easier to hear and interpret, especially in noisy environments or when you’re trying to multitask (like keeping an eye on a runaway dog).
The Gold Ring Test
One of my favorite test garden targets is a gold ring I’ve had for a while. The paint I used to mark its location has long since worn off, so I usually have to rely on my notes to remember exactly where it is. When I finally swept over it, the result was consistent with everything else I’d tested that day: Pitch 2 gave it a bolder, more confident tone.
Gold is one of those tricky metals that can come in on a detector’s audio range in ways that overlap with trash signals. Having that extra volume and tonal punch could make the difference between stopping to dig or moving on.
Final Thoughts — Why Pitch 2 Stands Out
After spending the day switching between the original Pitch mode and the new Pitch 2, I can confidently say I’m a fan. The original Pitch is still perfectly fine, but Pitch 2 adds that little extra emphasis that, in my opinion, makes good signals stand out just a bit more.
In metal detecting, those small differences add up over time. Anything that makes you less likely to miss a faint but valuable target is worth exploring. I’m not the only one noticing this, either — my buddy Charles in my Patreon group mentioned he’s also preferring Pitch 2 now. That tells me XP wasn’t just adding a novelty feature; they’ve given us something genuinely useful.
So, if you’ve updated to firmware 3.1 and haven’t tried Pitch 2 yet, do yourself a favor — head to your test garden, your favorite old site, or even the local park and give it a go. Compare it directly with the original Pitch mode, and see if you notice the same improvement I did.
And if you’ve got a Rocky of your own running around during testing… well, just remember to keep one ear on your detector and one eye on your dog. Trust me on that one.
If you want to see Pitch 2 in action, check out the video I filmed during this session on the Mental Metal channel. Until next time, happy hunting, and may your next dig be a good one.
Where Can You Pick Up a Deus 2 or HF2 Coil?
If you are looking for one of the metal detector or coil mentioned in this article you can find them over at Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. They offer fair and competitive pricing with great service and support. Give them a chance to earn our business but make sure you tell them Scott from Mental Metal Detecting referred you. Give them a call directly at 1-814-215-1732.
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