XP Deus Metal Detector: Mastering the Pitch Program for Better Deep Target Detection
The XP Deus metal detector is known for its versatile menu system and advanced adjustability, giving detectorists the freedom to fine-tune performance far beyond factory presets. Many hobbyists prefer to keep things simple and stick to standard programs — and that’s perfectly fine — but exploring the XP Deus customization options can unlock noticeably stronger results in the field.
You don’t need programming knowledge or endless experience to get more from the Deus. In fact, its intuitive interface makes it one of the most user-friendly professional-grade detectors on the market.
Why Try the Pitch Program?
One of the most underrated factory presets is Program #4: Pitch. While many experienced hunters rely on popular options such as HOT or ULTIMATE, the Pitch mode can often turn a bad detecting day around by providing clean, simple audio feedback, especially in difficult ground conditions.
Building a Custom “Pitch 101” Program
For this setup, we’ll start from the factory Program #6 (Deep). This mode uses slightly different ground filtering, offering more aggressive depth performance while sacrificing a small amount of iron rejection. From there, we fine-tune the following settings:
- Discrimination: 5.5
- Tones: Switch to Pitch under Expert menu
- Pitch Range: Leave default
- Sensitivity: Start at 90 (adjust as needed)
- Frequency: 28 kHz with an HF-compatible search coil
- Iron Volume: 3
- Reactivity: 2–3 depending on mineralization
- Silencer: -1
- Audio Response: 4
Once these adjustments are made, simply save your configuration to an open memory slot. You’re ready to test the benefits in the field.
Using the XY Target Identification Screen
The XP Deus includes an XY visualization mode that provides reliable feedback on difficult targets such as coke or charcoal. Problematic targets typically produce a perfectly vertical line, helping you avoid wasting time digging trash. Iron — especially large or oddly shaped pieces — tends to disrupt the XY line.
To improve clarity, reduce the Zoom setting from the factory level (6) to 3. This helps prevent faint, deep targets from activating large visual lines. To adjust Zoom, hold the pinpoint button, make your change, and wait five seconds for the menu to close. No manual save is required.
How Pitch Audio Behavior Works
In Pitch mode, you’re not listening for multiple tones — instead, the intensity and smoothness of the sound communicate target quality. Powerful responses usually indicate larger, shallow objects, while small or deep targets produce a soft, drawn-out tone.
Iron is generally easy to identify because it crackles or stutters, often paired with erratic XY movement. What you’re listening for is a clean, repeatable, unbroken signal.
If you want to focus strictly on deeper finds, try reducing Audio Response to 3. This suppresses loud shallow targets and makes subtle signals stand out.
Why Consider Pitch Mode?
Pitch mode can take a short learning curve, and at a discrimination level of 5.5 you may dig occasional interesting iron, but once you understand the audio behavior it becomes a powerful tool — especially in dry soil and when paired with a high-frequency coil such as the XP X35 coil.
Ready for the Next Level?
Once you’re confident with Pitch mode, the Goldfield program adds even more control. It uses similar tonal principles but enhances how the Deus handles highly mineralized ground — a valuable upgrade for relic and gold hunters.
If you’re upgrading equipment, consider browsing XP Deus coils, accessories, and kits to fully support these advanced modes.
Experiment with Pitch mode in your local conditions. With proper technique, this overlooked program can reveal deep, faint targets other tone modes miss.
