I hunt regularly using the XL Pro and units many years prior. On the XL Pro run your Pre-Amp Gain (Signal Balance) as much as possible but keep the unit running stable, in high mineralized ground back off the pre-amp, or reduce if your noticing electrical interference (power lines-cell phone towers-etc.).
Use a smaller coil in trash area's, with the smaller loop you can increase gain more-so than the 950 & keep the unit running stable, which will help you accheive the best depth with the smaller coil.
Reducing disc. is going to help depth (more disc. can reduce depth) and running in hot rock accept (when possible), just watch for abrupt needle deflections or object you can't pinpoint usually indicates a Hot Rock most times.
Smaller search coils are more sensitive to smaller objects and offer better target separation amongst targets near others & trash. Many times amongst trash I've found close targets were masked by using larger coils. Smaller coils more versatile working in tight areas & lighter also.
If the meter varies but the signal sounds smooth or soft( not broken) dig, good indication of deep target. the meter on deep targets can waver, even on digital or analogs alike.
I've hunted with many hi-end units that were digital, and with other detectorists using pre-set programs on non analog units. Following in thier footsteps with analog units, 5900 SL-6000 Di Pro's-SL's-XL Pro and pick up a lot of different tokens, rings and Indian Heads and ocassional Half-Dimes they have passed over in pre-set.
Take your time and think of your loop as a paint brush applying double coats (overlap as you progress);^)
Good Luck
