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To find more gold, you need more than just a great detector—you need to understand how to configure it for your environment. The Garrett Axiom and Goldmaster 24k are both powerful, but they shine in different ways. Let’s break down how to dial in the best settings for each, especially in tough African terrains.
Sensitivity: Power with Precision
Sensitivity controls how deep and small your detector can detect. The Axiom’s Pulse Induction (PI) tech handles higher sensitivity better in mineralized ground. Start with a mid-range setting and increase slowly—too high, and you’ll hear false signals. The Goldmaster 24k, being a high-frequency VLF detector, is incredibly responsive to small gold, so sensitivity is key for fine-tuning. If it gets noisy, drop the level until stability returns.
Ground Balance: Cut the Noise, Hear the Gold
Both detectors offer manual and auto ground balance—crucial when working in mineralized African soils. The Axiom has a fast, dynamic Auto Ground Balance system that adjusts in real-time, which is a big win when covering varied terrain. The Goldmaster features XGB (Extreme Ground Balance), great for consistent soil types. Not sure how to balance properly? Watch this step-by-step demo:
▶ Garrett Axiom Ground Balance & Salt Settings
Audio Modes & Threshold
Audio feedback is what tells you you’ve hit something. The Axiom offers multiple audio types including mono and dual-tone—ideal for deep gold or iron-infested areas. Use threshold (a constant background hum) to catch faint signals; set it just above silent for best results. On the Goldmaster 24k, listen for smooth, repeatable tones—those are your gold indicators.
Discrimination: To Filter or Not to Filter
Gold often hides near trash, but setting discrimination too high might cause you to miss tiny nuggets. Keep discrimination low when hunting for gold specifically. Use iron ID tones to ignore nails and scrap but stay open to weak signals—those are often your best finds.
Know Your Terrain, Adjust Accordingly
In dry riverbeds, increase sensitivity and lower discrimination. In high-iron ground, prioritize ground balance and listen for sharp, crisp tones. If you’re switching environments, don’t forget to re-tune your detector. For a live walkthrough on real-world settings, check this field video:
▶ Goldmaster 24k – Controls & Nugget Audio
Final Thought:
The Axiom is your go-to for depth and harsh conditions; the Goldmaster is your choice for speed and small targets. Whichever you use, mastering your settings is what turns a good detector into a gold-finding machine.