Arcade by Output has undeniably made a significant splash in the world of music production. It’s a subscription-based plugin that provides a vast and ever-expanding library of sounds, loops, and instruments. But the burning question remains: is Arcade a good VST for your specific needs? This in-depth article will dissect Arcade, exploring its features, strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for different producers and genres.
Understanding Arcade: The Core Concept
Arcade isn’t just another sample library; it’s a curated instrument built around the idea of instant inspiration. Output has created a platform where users can quickly browse, manipulate, and integrate unique sounds into their projects. The entire experience is designed to be intuitive and immediate, fostering creativity and breaking through creative blocks.
The core of Arcade lies in its “Lines.” These are themed collections of sounds, often focusing on specific genres, moods, or sonic textures. These Lines are regularly updated with fresh content, ensuring that the library remains relevant and inspiring. You’ll find everything from trap drums and melodic loops to experimental textures and cinematic soundscapes.
Key Features That Define Arcade
Several features set Arcade apart from traditional VST instruments and sample libraries. Understanding these features is crucial for assessing whether Arcade is a good fit for your workflow.
The Browser and Sound Selection
Arcade’s browser is designed for speed and efficiency. You can quickly filter sounds by genre, instrument type, mood, and other tags. The preview function allows you to hear how a sound will fit into your track before you even load it.
The Note Engine and Customization
The Note Engine is where Arcade truly shines. It allows you to manipulate the sounds in real-time using your MIDI keyboard. You can pitch-shift, time-stretch, reverse, and even chop up samples on the fly. Each Line has its own unique Note Engine mappings, designed to complement the specific sounds within that Line.
Modifiers and Effects
Arcade includes a range of built-in effects that can be used to further shape and process the sounds. These include filters, delays, reverbs, distortion, and more. The effects are designed to be easy to use and offer a wide range of sonic possibilities.
Custom Sample Import and Creation
While Arcade’s pre-built content is its main selling point, you can also import your own samples and use Arcade’s engine to manipulate them. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing you to create your own unique instruments and soundscapes.
The Pros Of Using Arcade In Your Productions
Arcade offers several compelling advantages that make it a valuable tool for many music producers.
Unparalleled Inspiration And Speed
One of Arcade’s biggest strengths is its ability to spark inspiration quickly. The vast library of sounds, combined with the intuitive Note Engine, allows you to experiment and create new ideas in minutes. This is especially useful when you’re feeling stuck or need to generate ideas rapidly. The constantly updated content stream ensures that you always have fresh sounds to explore.
A Wide Range Of High-Quality Sounds
Output is known for its high-quality sound design, and Arcade is no exception. The sounds are meticulously crafted and professionally recorded, ensuring that they sound great right out of the box. Whether you’re looking for hard-hitting drums, lush pads, or quirky textures, Arcade has something to offer.
Simplified Workflow And Ease Of Use
Arcade is designed to be easy to use, even for beginners. The intuitive interface and streamlined workflow allow you to focus on making music without getting bogged down in technical details. The Note Engine makes it easy to manipulate sounds in real-time, adding expression and nuance to your tracks.
Subscription Model: Accessibility And Updates
The subscription model makes Arcade relatively affordable compared to purchasing individual sample packs or VST instruments. The subscription also includes access to all new content, ensuring that you always have the latest sounds and features.
The Cons Of Using Arcade: Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, Arcade also has some drawbacks that might make it unsuitable for certain users.
Subscription Dependency: Long-Term Cost
The subscription model can be a double-edged sword. While it makes Arcade more accessible upfront, the long-term cost can be significant. If you use Arcade for several years, you could end up paying more than you would for a traditional VST instrument. If you stop subscribing, you lose access to all the sounds you’ve used in your projects.
Limited Deep Customization Compared To Traditional Samplers
While Arcade offers a degree of customization through its Note Engine and effects, it doesn’t offer the same level of control as a traditional sampler. You can’t, for example, edit individual samples in detail or create complex modulation routings. This might be a limitation for advanced users who want complete control over their sounds.
Reliance On Pre-Made Content: Potential For Generic Sounds
While the pre-made content is one of Arcade’s strengths, it can also be a weakness. If you rely too heavily on Arcade’s sounds, your tracks might start to sound generic or similar to other producers who use the same sounds. It’s important to use Arcade as a starting point and then add your own unique touch to make your music stand out.
Internet Dependency For Content Access
Because Arcade relies heavily on cloud-based content, you need a stable internet connection to browse and download sounds. This can be a problem if you work in areas with poor internet connectivity or if you prefer to work offline. Although you can cache sounds locally, the browsing and discovery experience is significantly enhanced with an active internet connection.
Who Is Arcade Best Suited For?
Arcade is particularly well-suited for certain types of music producers and workflows.
Beginner Producers Seeking Inspiration
Arcade’s ease of use and vast library of sounds make it a great tool for beginner producers who are just starting to explore music production. It provides a quick and easy way to create professional-sounding tracks without having to learn complex sound design techniques.
Producers In Need Of Quick Idea Generation
Arcade is also ideal for experienced producers who need to generate ideas quickly. The intuitive interface and vast library of sounds allow you to experiment and create new ideas in minutes, breaking through creative blocks and sparking new directions.
Those Working In Specific Genres: Hip-Hop, Pop, Electronic
Arcade’s content is particularly strong in genres such as hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. The Lines are often focused on these genres, providing a wealth of sounds and loops that are ready to use in your productions.
Producers Looking For Unique Textures And Soundscapes
Arcade is not limited to traditional instruments and loops. It also includes a wide range of unique textures and soundscapes that can add depth and character to your tracks. These sounds are perfect for creating ambient soundscapes, experimental electronic music, or adding interesting layers to your productions.
Alternatives To Arcade: Exploring Other Options
While Arcade is a powerful tool, it’s not the only option available. There are several other VST instruments and sample libraries that offer similar features and capabilities.
Native Instruments Kontakt: The Industry Standard
Kontakt is the industry-standard sampler, offering unparalleled flexibility and control. It allows you to load and manipulate a vast library of sample-based instruments, from realistic orchestral sounds to cutting-edge synth sounds. While Kontakt requires a steeper learning curve than Arcade, it offers much greater depth and customization.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere: Synthesis Powerhouse
Omnisphere is a powerful software synthesizer that combines sample playback with advanced synthesis capabilities. It offers a vast library of sounds, ranging from classic synth sounds to experimental textures. Omnisphere is known for its complex modulation options and its ability to create unique and evolving soundscapes.
Splice Sounds: A La Carte Sample Library
Splice Sounds is a subscription-based sample library that offers a vast collection of individual samples and loops. Unlike Arcade, Splice doesn’t include a dedicated instrument plugin. Instead, you download the samples and import them into your DAW or sampler of choice. Splice offers a more flexible approach than Arcade, allowing you to choose exactly the sounds you need without being tied to a specific instrument engine.
Conclusion: Is Arcade A Good VST For You?
Ultimately, the question of whether Arcade is a good VST depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a beginner producer looking for inspiration, a producer in need of quick idea generation, or someone who works primarily in genres such as hip-hop, pop, or electronic music, Arcade can be a valuable tool. However, if you require deep customization, are concerned about the long-term cost of a subscription, or need to work offline frequently, you might be better off exploring other options.
Consider your budget, your workflow, and the type of music you create before making a decision. Take advantage of Arcade’s free trial to see if it’s a good fit for you. There’s no single “best” VST for everyone; the key is to find the tools that inspire you and help you create the music you want to make. Arcade offers a compelling blend of inspiration, ease of use, and high-quality sounds, making it a strong contender for many modern music producers. Remember to consider the limitations and alternatives before committing to the subscription model.
What Exactly Is Arcade By Output, And What Makes It Different From Other VST Instruments?
Arcade by Output is a subscription-based sample-based synthesizer plugin. It’s not just a collection of traditional instrument sounds; instead, it offers curated, royalty-free loops, phrases, and kits that are organized into “Lines” based on genre, mood, or artist collaborations. It’s geared towards inspiring quick ideas and providing building blocks for tracks rather than offering deep customization of individual synth parameters.
The core difference lies in its constantly evolving content library and ease of use. Unlike traditional VSTs that offer static sound libraries, Arcade’s library is updated regularly with fresh content, keeping the inspiration flowing. Furthermore, its intuitive interface simplifies the process of finding and manipulating sounds. The real-time time-stretching and pitch-shifting capabilities allow producers to quickly adapt sounds to their projects without the need for complex audio editing.
What Are The Main Pros And Cons Of Using Arcade In A Modern Music Production Workflow?
One of the significant pros of Arcade is its vast and ever-expanding library of high-quality sounds. This constant stream of fresh content can significantly speed up the creative process, allowing producers to quickly find inspiring loops and textures. Additionally, Arcade’s user-friendly interface and simple controls make it accessible even to beginners, enabling them to create professional-sounding tracks without years of experience. The real-time manipulation features, like time-stretching and pitch-shifting, are also invaluable for adapting sounds to specific projects.
On the other hand, the subscription model is a major con for many producers. Unlike purchasing a VST outright, you are constantly paying for access, which can be a deterrent for those on a tight budget or those who prefer to own their software. Another potential downside is the limited control over individual sound parameters. While Arcade offers macro controls for shaping sounds, it doesn’t provide the in-depth tweaking capabilities of traditional synthesizers, which might frustrate experienced sound designers.
How Suitable Is Arcade For Different Genres Of Modern Music?
Arcade is remarkably versatile and suitable for a wide range of modern music genres. Its extensive library is organized into “Lines” that cater to diverse styles, including electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, pop, R&B, indie, and film scoring. The constantly updated content ensures that it stays current with emerging trends and styles. Whether you’re looking for trap hi-hat loops, cinematic soundscapes, or catchy pop melodies, Arcade likely has something to offer.
However, while Arcade provides a solid foundation for many genres, it may not be ideal for highly specialized or experimental styles that demand deep sound design capabilities. The reliance on pre-made loops and phrases might feel limiting for producers who prefer to build sounds from scratch or who require precise control over every aspect of their sound. In such cases, combining Arcade with other more flexible synthesizers and sound design tools could be a more effective approach.
What Kind Of Learning Curve Should A New User Expect When Starting With Arcade?
The learning curve for Arcade is generally considered to be very gentle, making it accessible to producers of all skill levels. The intuitive interface is well-organized and easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly browse through the extensive library of sounds. The simple macro controls for shaping sounds are straightforward to understand, enabling beginners to start creating music within minutes of installing the plugin.
While mastering all the advanced features of Arcade might take some time, the basics are very easy to grasp. The official Output website and YouTube channel offer numerous tutorials and walkthroughs that cover everything from basic navigation to advanced sound design techniques. Even without extensive training, users can quickly begin exploring the library and experimenting with different sounds to create inspiring musical ideas.
How Well Does Arcade Integrate With Popular DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)?
Arcade is designed to seamlessly integrate with all major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, Pro Tools, and Cubase. It functions as a standard VST, AU, or AAX plugin, making it easy to load and use within your preferred DAW environment. The drag-and-drop functionality allows you to quickly import Arcade loops and phrases directly into your DAW timeline, streamlining your workflow.
Furthermore, Arcade supports MIDI control, allowing you to trigger sounds and manipulate parameters using external MIDI controllers. This enhances the expressiveness and playability of the instrument, enabling you to create more dynamic and engaging performances. The ability to sync Arcade’s tempo to your DAW ensures that all loops and phrases remain perfectly in time with your project, minimizing the need for manual adjustments.
What Are Some Alternatives To Arcade, And How Do They Compare In Terms Of Features And Price?
Several alternatives to Arcade exist, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Splice Sounds is a popular option that offers a vast library of royalty-free samples on a subscription basis. While Splice doesn’t include a dedicated instrument plugin like Arcade, its extensive sample selection and integration with DAWs make it a strong competitor. Native Instruments Kontakt is another alternative, offering a more traditional sampler approach with a massive library of instruments and sounds, although at a higher upfront cost.
Another contender is Loopcloud, which also provides a subscription-based sample library with advanced search and organization features. Loopcloud includes a plugin that syncs with your DAW and allows you to preview samples in real-time. The key difference often comes down to workflow preference: Arcade is praised for its curated content and ease of use, while the others offer greater flexibility and a wider range of sounds, often at varying price points or with different licensing models.
What Are Some Tips And Tricks For Getting The Most Out Of Arcade By Output?
To maximize your experience with Arcade, start by exploring the different “Lines” and familiarizing yourself with the diverse range of sounds available. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of loops and phrases to create unique and unexpected textures. Utilize the macro controls to shape the sounds and tailor them to your specific needs. The “Modifier” keys offer powerful ways to manipulate the loops in real-time.
Consider layering Arcade sounds with other instruments and effects to create more complex and interesting textures. Experiment with different effects plugins, such as reverb, delay, and distortion, to further enhance the sounds. Take advantage of Arcade’s MIDI control capabilities to add expressive variations to your performances. Finally, regularly check for new content updates to stay inspired and discover fresh sounds for your productions. Output also offers tutorials and community forums where you can learn new techniques and share your creations.