Arcade by Output review
A curated, loop-focused sampler with unlimited downloads for $12.99 per month.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Arcade by Output is a desktop sampler and instrument plugin for music producers who want curated loops, instruments, and production kits in one subscription. Its content is organized into Lines, Kits, Samplers, Instruments, and individual Samples. Sampler Kits map 15 loop-based samples across a MIDI keyboard, while Chromatic Instrument Kits support playback across the keyboard and can use up to three source layers. Arcade works as a standalone application and as a DAW plugin on Windows and macOS.
According to the vendor's pricing information, Arcade costs $12.99 per month and includes access to the Arcade sample and instrument library, royalty-free samples, and Sampler and Instrument Kits. The published plan uses an unlimited-download model, and the 7-day trial requires a payment method at signup. There is one listed plan, so the pricing structure is straightforward: the subscription provides the library and its associated sampler and instrument content rather than separating core features across multiple paid tiers.
The strongest fit is for producers who value curated, loop-based workflows and quick musical variation. Automatic tempo and key analysis and synchronization help align material, while built-in effects, macros, modulation, and modifiers provide sound-shaping options inside the instrument. Search can be organized by instrument, genre, and function, and custom Kits can incorporate imported samples. MIDI keyboard and computer-keyboard performance add flexible input options. Producers seeking a free plan, a one-time purchase, or support beyond Windows and macOS should consider an alternative. Arcade is best suited to subscribers who want ongoing access to organized sample content, loop-oriented instruments, and DAW integration.
Arcade by Output pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Unlimited downloads with royalty-free samples
- Tempo and key synchronization for loop-based production
- Standalone app plus VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugins
- Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Requires a monthly subscription after the 7-day trial
- Runs on Windows and macOS only
Arcade by Output fact sheet, pricing and score →
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