1. Overview – XP Metal Detectors & the DEUS II

XP Metal Detectors is a French manufacturer based in Castanet-Tolosan near Toulouse that has specialised in fully wireless metal detectors for years. The DEUS II is the direct successor to the original DEUS – at the time one of the first detectors in which the search coil, headphones and remote control worked entirely without cables. The second generation adds the patented FMF® technology (Fast Multi Frequency) for simultaneous multi-frequency detection and, with firmware 4.0, genuine true stereo audio. The current version 4.1 builds on this and completes ecosystem compatibility.

The complete set reviewed here is called XP DEUS II 28 FMF RC WS6 ST and contains the 28 cm double-D FMF search coil, the remote control (RC), the new WS6 ST stereo wireless headphones and the S telescopic shaft. The difference from the cheaper WS6 version lies in the headphones: the WS6 ST has a new processor architecture that processes two audio channels at the same time – the prerequisite for genuine stereo multi-processing.

2. What's in the box

3. Technical data

4. FMF® technology: simultaneous multi-frequency explained

FMF stands for Fast Multi Frequency – a method patented by XP that transmits and evaluates several frequencies at the same time. This distinguishes the DEUS II from detectors that switch frequencies sequentially. For the detectorist this brings three key advantages:

Wider target coverage in a single pass

Different metal objects respond to different frequencies with different strength. Thin gold coins or silver jewellery are detected better at high frequencies (20–45 kHz); large iron targets or deep coin hoards respond more reliably to lower frequencies (4–10 kHz). FMF® covers both in one pass – no need to walk the same area twice.

Stability on electrically conductive ground

On beach sand saturated with sea water or heavily mineralised fields, single-frequency detectors often produce false signals and noise. Simultaneous multi-frequency can filter out conductive ground effects by subtracting frequency components. The result: a much quieter search and more depth in difficult conditions.

Flexibility thanks to 49 single frequencies

If you prefer a single frequency for a specific task – such as high frequency for small gold or low frequency for large deep targets – you can choose from exactly 49 frequency steps between 4 and 45 kHz. The FMF menu also lets you limit the maximum multi-frequency to 14, 24 or 40 kHz to adapt the behaviour to the ground.

5. The 28 cm double-D FMF search coil

The 28 cm coil is the medium coil size in the DEUS II ecosystem and is considered a good all-round compromise between depth, coverage and separation. It is made of carbon, weighs around 470 g and is fully waterproof to 20 m. According to the warranty terms, the supplied coil cover must be used – damage caused by use without a cover or with a damaged one is excluded from the 5-year warranty.

On mineralised ground the double-D geometry gives a quieter signal than round concentric coils, because the detection field is narrower and better defined. This allows slightly higher sensitivity on difficult ground without excessive ground noise. The coil battery lasts approx. 10 hours – enough for a long day in the field.

Alternative coils in the DEUS II system

6. WS6 ST – the true stereo wireless headphones

The WS6 ST is the key difference between this complete set and the cheaper WS6 version. Outwardly the difference is small – technically it is considerable: the ST module contains a new processor architecture that can process two independent audio channels at the same time . This makes the WS6 ST the prerequisite for the true stereo multi-processing that XP introduced with firmware 4.0.

What true stereo means in practice

With the stereo multi-processing menu (from firmware 4.0), the DEUS II processes two parallel signals at the same time – comparable to two detectors in one. In dual-axis mode, channel 1 runs as a classic discrimination program with adjustable reactivity, while channel 2 provides maximum depth and ground information in all-metal non-motion mode. The result: you benefit from the separation of a discrimination detector and the depth of an all-metal detector at the same time – without switching modes.

There are also further stereo audio functions that can only be used with ST headphones and firmware 4.0:

• XP Morphing: Mixes audio signals depending on depth – shallow targets sound different from deep ones, which acts as an audible depth indicator.
• Chorus effect (on both channels from v4.1): Stereo effect for very weak, deep signals. The signal sounds more spatial and present. From v4.1 all chorus FX variants are spread across both stereo channels – a more intense sound experience.
• Low Square: Bass-heavy audio type with a lower tone profile. For a calmer sound, especially suitable for mixing with other audio types. From v4.1 also available for WS6 and WSA II (XL) without ST headphones.
• Improved CH2 mode (v4.1): In static mode (channel 2), subtle pitch correction for better recognition of signal variations on deep targets.
• MI-6 audio options PITCH FX / PITCH LOW (v4.1): New stereo audio options for the MI-6 pinpointer when connected to the DEUS II. PITCH LOW also for non-ST headphones.
• Independent MI-6 volume (v4.1): The pinpointer tone can now be adjusted separately from the detector signal – more control without compromising the search tone.

Three operating modes of the WS6 ST

WS6 ST key specifications

7. Firmware 4.0 & 4.1 – what the updates bring

The DEUS II is an actively developed platform. XP delivers new features free of charge via firmware updates. Firmware 4.0 was the biggest update since the introduction of multi-frequency technology – not a stability patch, but a fundamental innovation in signal processing. Version 4.1 builds on it and completes the compatibility of the entire ecosystem.

Firmware 4.0 – core innovation: multi-processing

The key innovation is the simultaneous processing of two independent detection channels in a single swing of the coil. Both channels use the same coil and the same frequencies, but work with different settings for reactivity, sensitivity, audio character, iron filtering and motion/non-motion mode. The output is via two separate audio channels – which is why stereo headphones (WS6 ST, WSA ST or WSA XL ST) are essential.

Firmware 4.1 – completing the ecosystem

Version 4.1 establishes full compatibility with the entire headphone ecosystem and adds targeted stereo audio functions. All new features at a glance:

8. Remote control (RC)

The remote control is the central control module of the system. It is built into a shock-resistant solid rubber housing, IP68 certified and waterproof to 20 m. With a lithium battery (700 mAh) and a runtime of up to 25 hours, it is the longest-lasting component in the system – a full day in the field is easily possible without recharging.

The RC weighs 150 g and can be carried on the shaft with a clip or in the supplied belt pouch, which takes the strain off your wrist on long outings. All relevant parameters are directly accessible via the RC: 99 sensitivity levels, 9 reactivity settings, discrimination, iron volume, ground balance (automatic or manual), frequency, audio format and expert functions such as notch filter, threshold and signal amplification. Plus 20 languages and access to all 12 factory programs and 12 user programs that can be saved.

9. S telescopic shaft and ergonomics

The 3-piece S telescopic shaft with its characteristic curve in the upper section keeps the search coil closer to the ground when swinging and noticeably relieves the wrist compared with straight shafts. The rubber handle with armrest sits securely in the hand even when wet. Thanks to the fully wireless technology, the DEUS II can be assembled and dismantled in seconds – no threading cables, no connectors on the coil.

The total weight of the detector starts at approx. 750 g (22 cm coil, WS6 ST as headphones, without RC). With the 28 cm coil and the RC on your belt, it comes to approx. 815 g – a remarkably low figure for a complete high-end system.

10. In the field – strengths and limitations

11. Market positioning

In the high-end segment the DEUS II competes with the Minelab Manticore (EUR 1,999) and the Minelab Equinox 900 (approx. EUR 800–900). Compared with the Equinox, the DEUS II offers a much wider frequency spectrum, more consistent wireless design and lower weight. The Manticore scores with its 2D target identification and is easier for beginners to operate. Compared with Nokta detectors such as the Legend (approx. EUR 500–700), the DEUS II offers the more extensive coil ecosystem, a much longer warranty and the superior stereo audio system.

The WS6 ST clearly sets this set apart from WS6 configurations: if you want to use stereo multi-processing, you need ST headphones. If you can do without this function, you can choose the cheaper WS6 version – but you will miss out on one of the most significant DEUS II innovations since its launch.

12. Rating

13. Conclusion

The XP DEUS II 28 FMF RC WS6 ST Komplettset is currently one of the most technically mature wireless metal detectors on the market. The combination of FMF® multi-frequency, the WS6 ST true stereo headphones and an actively maintained firmware platform results in a system that keeps developing with free software updates – a clear advantage over static detector generations.

The firmware development shows that XP is consistently pursuing this path: version 4.0 introduced a fundamentally new quality of audible target analysis with stereo multi-processing. Version 4.1 extended this system to the entire headphone ecosystem, added new MI-6 audio options and improved connection stability. Anyone buying a DEUS II system with WS6 ST today gets access to all these functions – including future updates.

For occasional detectorists with no experience in configuring a detector, there are more beginner-friendly alternatives. But if you search regularly in changing conditions, take your equipment seriously and are prepared to unlock the potential of a complex system, the DEUS II will serve you well for many years.