Output develops unique music software.

Arcade allows you to compose music intuitively using MIDI controllers such as keyboards and pads.

This software is recommended for those who can’t play musical instruments or those who don’t understand music theory.

In this article, I am going to explain the advantages and disadvantages of Output “Arcade” and how to use it. Please read the details below;

1. What is Output “Arcade” ?

Loop synthesizer software developed by Output.

You can use it by paying a monthly fee.

This is a loop synthesizer that operates a key that has a loop assigned without a scale like a normal synthesizer. Because it can be operated intuitively, it is also recommended for those who can not play musical instruments or those who do not understand music theory.

Kits including loops are always added. You can download and use whatever you like.

Development company	Output
Price	$ 10 / month (There is a 30-day free trial)
Main Specifications	Loop synthesizer

2. Advantages

There are four advantages when using Output “Arcade”

• There is a 30-day free trial
• Constantly updated
• Even those who can’t play musical instruments can handle it intuitively
• Make your own kit

(1)There is a 30-day free trial

Arcade can be used free of charge for 30 days.

So you can try it for free and decide if you want to keep using it.

However, you must cancel your monthly payment within 30 days to finish it for free. I will explain later how to cancel monthly payment.

(2)Constantly updated

Kits including loops are always added. You can download and use whatever you like.

You don’t have to worry about your computer space because it doesn’t force downloads.

(3)Even those who can’t play musical instruments can handle it intuitively

Arcade does not sound the scale as the keyboard. (If you press C, C does not sound)

Use keys and pads as triggers to control the loops. 

So it is also recommended for those who can not play musical instruments or those who do not understand music theory.

(4)Make your own kit

Arcade can handle your own samples. If you use sample services such as Splice Sounds and Loopcloud, you will be able to use Arcade quite effectively.

3. Disadvantages that you should know before using

However, There is a disadvantage to know before using Output “Arcade”.

The point is that it can’t be used like a normal synthesizer.

Arcade controls the samples, so it’s difficult to use like an ordinary synthesizer.

4. How to register for a free trial

First, press “TRY IT FREE” from the Output Arcade page.

Enter your email address, name, address, and payment method (credit or PayPal).

Then select Mac or Windows to download, install, launch and log in and you’re done.

However, you need to cancel within 30 days to finish free.

How to unsubscribe

Log in and select “ARCADE” in “MY ACCOUNT”.

Select “Cancel Subscription” and you’re done.

5. How to use

Please refer to the above video as Arcade’s official manual.

The preset selected at the top left “Play” is displayed. Select Kit or Loop in “Browse”.

The presets in Browse are constantly updated and new ones are added.

Presets can be listened to by pressing the volume button and downloaded by pressing “↓”.

Some have already been downloaded. You can use it in “Play” if you select.

A white key is a loop, and a black key is an effect.

You can set the key in the upper right. Key changes from -12 to +12 are assigned to keys below the key to which the loop is assigned. 

For example, if you set it to Cmin, key changes from -12 to +12 will be assigned around the C0 key. You can also set the number of voices and speed from the upper right.

LOOP

Move the cursor to the white key and “EDIT” will appear. Click it to set the loop in detail.

FILTER

There are three types of filters: high-pass, low-pass, and band-pass. There are gradual and steep respectively, for a total of 6 types.

SAMPLE

There is a sample waveform in the middle, and the start and end positions can be set.

From the top right, you can change to a grid that matches the tempo or a grid that matches the waveform.

By pressing “SNAP TO”, you can move to the start and end positions that match the grid.

MAIN

Volume, pan, attack, release and crossfade can be adjusted in the main area.

Crossfade can apply a fade at the beginning and end of the loop to prevent attack noise.

ADVANCED

If you turn on “MODIFIER BLOCK”, you can prevent the black key effect from being reflected at all.

By turning on “SYNC”, the BPM will match the DAW. “BPM” and “KEY” in the SYNC area are information about this loop. You cannot make settings if the loop is not your own.

“VELOCITY SENSITIVITY” allows you to control how the sound changes with velocity.

“SPEED” and “TUNE” are on the right.

“SPEED” has 4 types, 1/4, 1/2, x1, x2, and “TUNE” can be set from -24 to +24.

“TUNE” has an AUTO button, and by pressing it, it is possible to automatically match the key set at the top right of ARCADE.

Below that are four icons.

From left

• Reverse
• Wrap (reverse wrap in normal playback)
• Loop
• Hold (playback is held even when the key is released)

FX SENDS

This is the effect send. The settings for this effect are described in the next section.

MIXER

The mixer starts up from the mixer mark at the bottom left of the screen.

The volume and Pan of 15 loops can be adjusted.

Here you can set SEND 1, SEND 2 and MASTER effects.

SEND 1 and SEND 2 can be set two each, and MASTER can set four effects.

The settings for each effect are displayed by right-clicking the effect.

macro

Press the mark below the mixer mark to set the macro.

The macros are the four rounded faders on the first screen.

These macro 4 effects are not effects that exist as they are, but effects that are set and created.

You can assign macros by right-clicking any parameter such as sample settings as well as effects in the mixer.

By moving the macro’s fader, you can control each assigned item collectively.

modulation

It is possible to assign parameters to modulation as well as macro. By pressing “~” at the lower left, you can see the settings of modulation and the assigned ones.

There are two types of modulation: STEP and LFO.

Next, I will explain the black key effects one by one. The black key has three types of effects. Press the white key to play the sample, then press the black key to apply the effect to the sample. Edit button appears by hovering the cursor like white key.

PLAYHEAD

This is the simplest black key effect, and you can set the playback position, Loop, and Reverse in the same way as setting each loop.

Turning “JUMP TO CUE POINT” on will return the loop to the beginning of the PLAYHEAD.

REPEATER

This is a repeating effect.

“REPEAT RATE” sets the repeat speed, and “GRID SYNC” sets when to repeat.

If “GRID SYNC” is a large unit such as 1BAR, it will not be repeated until it reaches the point.

You can repeat even when “STEP SEQUENCER” is off, but you can add a volume expression to the repeat by setting it. Pattern Reverse, Invest Steps, Randomize can be set, and Clear deletes all patterns.

Resequence

This is the most recommended effect.

You can set each start position like a step sequencer, and set Speed, Length, Volume, Attack, Decay (Envelope), and Reverse.

“SNAP TO CLOSEST” moves the marker to the nearest position on the grid.

Add your own loop

All you have to do is drag and drop the loop into the white key or add it to “Loops You Added” in “Browse”.

Summary

Arcade is a software that is recommended for those who can’t play an instrument or those who don’t understand music theory.

It is a software that not only gives you a lot of samples, but also supports how to use samples.

It’s intuitive, touchy and fun, so I recommend you try a free 30-day trial.

I hope this article helpful for you.