Waterproof Headphones

The Minelab waterproof 3.5 mm headphones have been specially developed for metal detectorists who want to continue hearing clear detection signals whilst wading, snorkelling or fully submerged. The headphones connect directly to various waterproof Minelab metal detectors via a special 3.5 mm screw-in connector.

The connector, together with the detector’s headphone socket, forms a watertight seal. This means that, depending on the detector model used, the combination can be used at depths of up to 5 metres underwater.

Minelab officially lists these waterproof headphones as compatible with the following models and series:

• •Minelab MANTICORE
• •Minelab EQUINOX 600
• •Minelab EQUINOX 800
• •Minelab EQUINOX 700
• •Minelab EQUINOX 900
• •Minelab X-TERRA PRO
• •Minelab X-TERRA ELITE
• •Minelab VANQUISH 60 series

How deep can the Minelab waterproof headphones be used?

With the MANTICORE, EQUINOX 700/900, X-TERRA PRO, X-TERRA ELITE and other compatible Minelab detectors that are waterproof to 5 metres, these waterproof headphones can also be used whilst fully submerged to that depth.

If you are using the headphones with an EQUINOX 600 or EQUINOX 800, the maximum depth is 3 metres. This is not due to the headphones themselves, but because these older EQUINOX models are only waterproof to a maximum depth of 3 metres.

Why are special waterproof headphones needed?

Standard wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug work perfectly well above water with various Minelab detectors. However, this is not sufficient for full underwater use.

These original Minelab headphones feature a specially designed connector with a screw ring. When connected correctly to the detector, this creates a watertight seal around the headphone socket.

Minelab therefore recommends using only the special Minelab waterproof headphones when wading deep or during full submersion.

How do you connect the waterproof headphones?

First, remove the waterproof protective cap from the headphone socket on the back of the control box. Then check that both the socket and the connector are completely free of sand, dust, mud and other dirt.

Next, insert the 3.5 mm connector into the detector and carefully place the screw ring over the thread. Tighten the ring gently to ensure a proper watertight seal.

Never force the screw ring. Tightening it at an angle can damage the thread or the seal.

What are these headphones suitable for?

These headphones are primarily intended for metal detectorists who actually take their metal detector’s control box underwater.

• •Searching in the surf
• •Wading in the sea, lakes and rivers
• •Searching around swimming areas
• •Snorkelling with a metal detector
• •Detecting fully underwater up to the detector’s maximum depth

Can these headphones be connected to the WM08 module?

Yes. Minelab confirms that the waterproof headphones can also be connected directly to the WM08 Wireless Audio Module. The WM08 features both a 3.5 mm socket and the appropriate thread for this waterproof connector.

Please note, however, that the WM08 module itself is not waterproof. This combination is therefore intended for use above water, for example when you wish to use the detector wirelessly with the WM08 whilst the waterproof headphones are connected to the module.

Can the headphones also be connected to a WM09?

The modern WM09 wireless audio module also features a 3.5 mm threaded headphone socket and can be used with compatible wired Minelab headphones.

The WM09 is also designed as a wireless module for use above water. For fully underwater searching, the waterproof headphones must be connected directly to the detector.

Do the headphones work with the VANQUISH 60 series?

Yes. Minelab has now expanded its official compatibility list and also lists the VANQUISH 60 series as suitable for these waterproof headphones.

This makes them particularly appealing to VANQUISH users who not only want to search wirelessly or via the built-in speaker, but also wish to continue hearing audio whilst fully submerged.

What is the difference compared to a standard 3.5 mm headphone?

The main difference lies in the waterproof connection and the construction of the headphones. A standard 3.5 mm headphone can be connected to various compatible Minelab detectors above water, but does not provide a watertight seal.

These Minelab headphones, on the other hand, have a connector that screws into the waterproof headphone socket. This ensures the connection remains protected when the detector and headphones are fully submerged.

Maintenance after use in salt water

After detecting in the sea or salt water, it is advisable to rinse the headphones and detector with clean fresh water before salt and sand have a chance to dry out.

Ensure that the area around the headphone connector is clean and dry before unscrewing the connector. This reduces the risk of sand or water getting into the socket.

Do not use grease or lubricant on the waterproof seals. Minelab specifically warns that petroleum-based greases can damage the seals.

Who are these Minelab waterproof headphones suitable for?

These headphones are particularly suitable for serious beach and water searchers who want to go further into the water with their Minelab detector than is possible with just the search coil.

If you search exclusively on land, a wireless ML85, ML105, ML80 or other suitable headphones are often more comfortable. However, as soon as you want to search fully underwater with both the detector and headphones, this special waterproof version is the right solution.