7.8Good
Output Arcade is a subscription-based playable sampler and instruments plugin with a continuously updated, royalty-free sound library.
Plugin comparison
Arcade vs Kontakt 8
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which sampler to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
8.7Great
Kontakt 8 is Native Instruments' software sampler platform for hosting and building virtual instruments, available as a plugin or standalone app.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, Kontakt 8 comes out ahead (8.7). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Arcade | Kontakt 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 | $299 |
| Dubspot Score | 7.8 | 8.7 |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX, VST (macOS) | Standalone, VST3, AU (macOS), AAX |
| Pricing model | Subscription, from $12.99/mo USD; royalty-free, cancel anytime | — |
| Library size | 60+ product lines, 4,400+ samplers, 1,300+ chromatic instruments, 64,000+ samples (per Output) | — |
| Plugin formats | 64-bit AAX, AU, VST3 (plus VST on macOS) | — |
| Operating systems | macOS 12+; Windows 10/11 (64-bit) | — |
| RAM | 8GB required, 16GB recommended | — |
| Processor | Intel i5/AMD equivalent (i7 recommended); Apple Silicon M-series supported | — |
| macOS formats (64-bit) | — | Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Windows formats (64-bit) | — | Standalone, VST3, AAX |
| Factory Library 2 | — | 40 GB ready-to-use instrument toolset included |
| CPU / RAM | — | Intel Core i5 or equivalent / Apple Silicon; 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended) |
| Disk space | — | 2 GB free; 52 GB for complete installation |
| Free Player version | — | Kontakt 8 Player hosts NI and third-party Kontakt instruments at no cost |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.