Arcade by Output vs Wave Alchemy

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.

Wave Alchemy makes virtual instruments, effects plugins, drum samples, music loops, and sound effects for macOS and Windows. Its Triaz drum-production plugin combines sequencing, layering, mixing, and sound design, with 15,000 samples and more than 700 presets. The sequencer supports polyrhythms and per-step pitch, chance, repeats, and note offset; its Motion Sequencer modulates parameters. Users can import and organize personal samples, then export audio stems, full mixes, one-shots, and MIDI to a DAW. Triaz costs 79.00 GBP once and comes with a 14-day fully functional demo that has fewer samples and presets. The free Triaz Player includes 4,000 samples and 200 presets, but does not allow sequencer editing, Sound Browser use, or personal sample loading. Magic7 is a free reverb plugin with 11 reverb types and 234 presets. Listed plugins use AU, VST3, or AAX formats and offer native Apple silicon compatibility. First authorization requires an internet connection; after successful serial entry, the plugins can be used offline. Instruments and effects can be activated on up to five computers, with one running at a time.