Arcade by Output vs Soundiron

Arcade by Output is a playable sampler and instrument plugin for exploring, shaping, and tweaking samples and instruments on macOS and Windows. An Arcade subscription includes over 60 product lines, 4,400 samplers, 1,300 chromatic instruments, and 80,000 samples. Output says the royalty-free library is updated daily with synths, vocals, textures, drums, and multisampled instruments. Users can add their own samples for automatic chopping, slicing, and effects, then create playable kits. Sounds can be locked to key and tempo and reshaped with sampler tools. Arcade works with major DAWs through 64-bit AAX, AU, VST, and VST3 formats, and MIDI is included. It can run as a standalone application for previewing, playing, and downloading, but recording is unavailable there. Internet access is needed for login and downloads; downloaded kits and loops work offline for 30 days. System requirements include macOS 12 or later or Windows 10 or later, 8 GB RAM, and a 64-bit system and DAW. Arcade monthly access is $12.99 per month.

Soundiron develops virtual instruments and sample libraries for songwriters, composers, and sound designers in music and media composition. Its catalog focuses on deep-sampled instruments and sound effects, primarily for Native Instruments Kontakt. Many libraries need the full retail Kontakt version; some support Decent Sampler or SFZ, with formats specified per product. Kontakt libraries run in compatible VST, AU, RTAS, or AAX host sequencers. The free Rainsong library includes rain recordings, one-shots, 58 ambience patches, and 20 sound-designed FX and ambient presets. Paid examples include Iron Pack Bundle at $39 one-time and Hyperion Strings Micro at $49 one-time. Products are delivered electronically by installer and download code. Licenses allow purchased sounds in finished commercial and noncommercial productions but restrict raw or unmixed redistribution. Soundiron supports WAV, NKI, NCW, Decent Sampler, and SFZ formats.