Arcade by Output vs Zenhiser

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.

Zenhiser sells downloadable sounds, loops, MIDI and presets for music production. Its catalog is aimed at producers, remixers and film scorers, and the company says it serves producers at all levels. The Technology sample pack includes song starters, loops, stems, drum sounds and one-shots; its listing specifies 461 samples, 5.1GB unzipped and no MIDI, with drum kick samples also identified. Technology audio is supplied as 24-bit WAV and described as 100% royalty free; the listed sample format is 24-bit 44.1 kHz WAV. The pack is priced at $53, paid once. After an order is complete, download links appear on the order page and in a backup email. Links do not expire, but each product allows five download attempts, which are IP logged. Purchases grant a non-exclusive, non-transferable license for use in musical or audio compositions; redistribution as standalone files or collections is barred. Zenhiser was founded in 2005 by Tony Rapacioli.