How to end your Output Arcade subscription in the UK

About Output Arcade

Output Arcade is a premium music production software subscription service that gives you access to a vast library of instruments, loops, and samples designed for electronic music producers, beatmakers, and composers. Developed by Output, the company behind popular plugins like Portal and Movement, Arcade operates on a cloud-based model where you download and use sounds through a desktop application that integrates seamlessly with your digital audio workstation.

The service has gained significant popularity among UK producers since its launch, offering over 40,000 samples organised into "kits" that are regularly updated. Each kit contains carefully curated sounds spanning genres from hip-hop and trap to ambient and cinematic scoring. What makes Arcade distinctive is its intuitive interface with built-in effects and manipulation tools that let you transform sounds without leaving the plugin.

Most importantly, Arcade isn't a one-time purchase but rather a subscription model requiring ongoing monthly or annual payments. This means you'll need to maintain your subscription to continue accessing the sounds you've downloaded. When your subscription ends, the Arcade plugin stops working, and you lose access to all content unless you've exported and rendered your sounds into your projects beforehand.

Many UK users initially sign up during promotional periods or free trials, then find themselves needing to cancel for various reasons. Perhaps you've built up a sufficient sample library elsewhere, your music production has taken a different direction, or you're simply consolidating expenses. Whatever your reason, understanding the proper cancellation process is essential to avoid unwanted charges.

Plans, features and pricing

Output Arcade offers several subscription tiers to accommodate different production needs and budgets. Understanding what you're paying for helps ensure you're making the right decision about cancellation. Here's the current pricing structure for UK customers:

The monthly plan gives you flexibility to cancel without long-term commitment, though you'll pay slightly more over time. The annual plan offers better value if you're certain you'll use Arcade consistently, saving you approximately £20 per year compared to monthly payments. Keep in mind that annual subscriptions typically require you to pay the full year upfront or commit to twelve monthly instalments.

What you get with your subscription

Regardless of which plan you choose, all Arcade subscribers receive identical access to the content library. This includes unlimited downloads from the ever-expanding collection of kits, which Output adds to regularly. You'll also get access to the Arcade plugin itself, which works as a VST, AU, or AAX plugin compatible with major DAWs including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Pro Tools.

The subscription includes cloud storage for your favourite kits and presets, meaning you can sync your selections across multiple computers. Additionally, you'll receive automatic updates to the Arcade software itself, ensuring compatibility with the latest operating system versions and DAW updates.

Why UK users commonly cancel

Through processing countless cancellations, I've noticed several recurring patterns among UK Arcade subscribers. Financial consolidation tops the list, particularly when producers realise they're juggling multiple software subscriptions that collectively drain significant monthly funds. Many users cancel after building a solid collection of samples and deciding they'd rather own their sounds outright through one-time purchases.

Another common reason involves workflow changes. Some producers find they prefer working with hardware synthesizers or have shifted to genres where Arcade's electronic-focused library isn't as relevant. Others discover they're simply not using the service enough to justify the ongoing cost, especially if they're hobbyist producers rather than full-time musicians.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Before initiating your cancellation, you absolutely must understand Output Arcade's terms of service regarding subscription termination. This knowledge protects you from unexpected charges and ensures you're following the proper procedure that Output legally recognises.

Notice period requirements

Output Arcade operates on a billing cycle basis, meaning your cancellation takes effect at the end of your current paid period rather than immediately. For monthly subscribers, you'll retain access until your next billing date even after cancelling. This is actually beneficial because you're getting the service you've already paid for.

Most importantly, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date to avoid being charged for another cycle. I've seen countless cases where users cancel on the actual billing date only to find they've been charged anyway because the payment had already processed. Set a reminder for at least three days before your renewal date to give yourself adequate buffer time.

Annual subscription considerations

Annual subscriptions present additional complexity. If you've paid upfront for a full year, you'll maintain access for the entire twelve months regardless of when you cancel, but you won't receive a pro-rata refund for unused time. This is standard practice across the software industry but catches many users by surprise.

For annual plans paid in monthly instalments, you're typically committed to the full twelve payments. Cancelling early may still require you to pay the remaining balance, depending on the specific terms you agreed to during signup. Always review your original purchase confirmation email to verify your exact commitment.

UK consumer rights and cooling-off period

Under UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have a 14-day cooling-off period for digital content subscriptions, but this right is waived once you begin downloading and using the content. Since Arcade requires immediate download and usage, most subscribers won't be able to invoke this right. However, if you signed up but never actually downloaded or accessed any content, you may be entitled to a full refund within 14 days.

Additionally, if Output Arcade has misrepresented their service or charged you incorrectly, UK consumer protection laws provide recourse. Document everything carefully if you believe you have grounds for dispute.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Whilst many services push users toward online cancellation methods, sending a formal cancellation letter via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery remains the most legally robust method available to UK consumers. Here's why postal cancellation should be your preferred approach, followed by the exact steps to execute it properly.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

Physical letters sent via Recorded Delivery provide irrefutable proof that you've submitted your cancellation request. You'll receive a reference number and can track delivery confirmation, creating a paper trail that protects you if disputes arise. I've processed cases where companies claimed they never received online cancellation requests, leaving customers stuck with unwanted charges. A signed-for letter eliminates this problem entirely.

Additionally, postal cancellation forces companies to engage with your request formally. When you send a letter to a registered business address, they're legally obligated to process it according to UK contract law. This method also creates a timestamp that's independent of the company's systems, which can be crucial if billing date disputes occur.

Keep in mind that whilst postal cancellation takes slightly longer than instant online methods, the security and legal weight it provides far outweigh the minor inconvenience. You're protecting yourself from potential billing disputes, unauthorised continued charges, and the frustration of "lost" cancellation requests.

The complete postal cancellation process

First, gather all relevant information before drafting your letter. You'll need your full name as it appears on your Arcade account, your email address associated with the subscription, your account number or customer ID if available, and your current billing address. Having these details ready ensures your cancellation can be processed without delays caused by identification verification.

Next, draft your cancellation letter on a computer or write it clearly by hand. Your letter doesn't need to be elaborate, but it must contain specific essential elements. State clearly that you're requesting immediate cancellation of your Output Arcade subscription. Include all your identifying information mentioned above. Specify the date you're sending the letter and request written confirmation of your cancellation.

Most importantly, explicitly state that you do not authorise any further charges to your payment method after the current billing period ends. This creates a clear record that you've withdrawn consent for future payments, which strengthens your position if unauthorised charges occur.

Where to send your cancellation letter

Output's registered business address for UK correspondence is essential information. Send your cancellation letter to:

• Output Inc.
• 5828 W Sunset Blvd
• Los Angeles
• CA 90028
• United States

Since Output is a US-based company, your letter will be sent internationally. This is perfectly normal and legal, but it does mean you should allow extra time for delivery. International Tracked & Signed mail from Royal Mail typically takes 5-7 working days to reach the United States, though it can occasionally take up to 10 working days.

Sending via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery

Visit your local Post Office with your sealed, addressed letter. Request International Tracked & Signed service, which is the international equivalent of UK Recorded Delivery. This service costs approximately £7-£8 and provides tracking plus signature confirmation upon delivery. Don't use standard international mail, as you won't have proof of delivery.

The Post Office will give you a receipt with a tracking reference number. Keep this receipt in a safe place and photograph it as backup. You can track your letter's progress using the Royal Mail website by entering your reference number. Make note of the date when tracking shows "Delivered" with a signature.

Using Postclic for easier postal cancellation

Alternatively, you can use Postclic to handle the entire postal process digitally. Postclic is a service that lets you create, send, and track formal letters without visiting the Post Office. You simply draft your cancellation letter on their platform, and they print, envelope, and send it via tracked mail on your behalf.

The benefits include time savings since you avoid Post Office queues, automatic digital proof of postage and delivery stored in your account, and professional formatting that ensures your letter looks official. Postclic also handles international postage automatically, so you don't need to worry about correct postage rates or customs forms. Whilst there's a fee for the service, many users find the convenience and guaranteed tracking worth the cost, especially when cancelling services where proof of cancellation is crucial.

Timeline and follow-up procedures

After sending your letter, monitor your tracking information daily. Once delivery is confirmed, count forward to ensure you're past your next billing date. Check your bank or credit card statement carefully on your scheduled billing date to verify no charge appears.

If you're charged after your letter was delivered, immediately contact your payment provider to dispute the charge. Provide your proof of delivery as evidence that you cancelled in time. Most UK banks and card providers will reverse charges when you can demonstrate you properly cancelled a subscription.

Additionally, send a follow-up email to Output's customer support referencing your postal cancellation and providing your tracking number as proof of delivery. Request written confirmation that your account has been terminated. This email creates an additional layer of documentation.

What to do if problems arise

Occasionally, companies may claim they didn't receive your letter despite tracking showing delivery, or they may argue that your cancellation didn't meet their requirements. This is where your proof of postage becomes invaluable. If Output continues billing you after you've sent a properly documented cancellation letter, you have several options.

First, contact your bank or credit card provider to stop future payments to Output. UK banks can block specific merchants from charging your account. Second, file a formal complaint with Output, referencing your tracking information and demanding immediate refund of any unauthorised charges. Third, if Output is unresponsive, you can report them to Trading Standards or seek assistance from Citizens Advice.

Keep in mind that international companies can sometimes be slower to respond to postal correspondence than UK-based businesses, so allow up to 15 working days for processing before escalating your complaint.

Tips from former members

Having guided hundreds of Output Arcade users through cancellation, I've gathered valuable insights that can save you time, money, and frustration. These tips come directly from real experiences of UK subscribers who've successfully navigated the cancellation process.

Export your work before cancelling

This is absolutely critical and catches many users off guard. Once your Arcade subscription ends, the plugin stops working entirely, and you lose access to all sounds. If you have ongoing projects that use Arcade sounds, you must "bounce" or "render" those tracks to audio before your subscription expires. This means converting the MIDI information and Arcade plugin output into actual audio files within your DAW.

Go through all your recent projects and identify which ones use Arcade. For each track using Arcade, solo it and export it as a high-quality WAV or AIFF file. Then reimport these audio files into your project and mute or delete the original Arcade tracks. This ensures your projects remain fully functional after cancellation.

Download your favourite kits first

Whilst you can't use downloaded Arcade content after your subscription ends, having kits already downloaded means you can quickly extract and render any sounds you need in the days leading up to your cancellation. Former members recommend spending your final week with Arcade downloading any kits you've been meaning to explore, then sampling sounds you might want to use in future projects.

Create a "farewell session" where you load up your favourite Arcade presets and record yourself playing various melodies and rhythms. Export these recordings as audio files you can chop up and use later. This gives you a personal sample library derived from Arcade that remains yours even after cancellation.

Time your cancellation strategically

Don't cancel immediately after your billing date, as you'll waste most of the month you've already paid for. Instead, set a calendar reminder for three weeks into your billing cycle. This gives you one week to prepare your projects and export necessary audio, plus a comfortable buffer to send your cancellation letter and ensure it arrives before your next billing date.

For annual subscribers, start planning your cancellation at least two months before your renewal date. This gives you ample time to transition away from Arcade, find alternative sound sources, and ensure your cancellation letter reaches Output with plenty of margin for error.

Screenshot your account details

Before cancelling, log into your Output account and take screenshots of your subscription details, billing history, and account information. Capture your customer ID, subscription start date, and next billing date. These screenshots serve as evidence if disputes arise later, and they provide all the information you'll need when drafting your cancellation letter.

Additionally, screenshot the confirmation page after you've cancelled (if you receive one) or any email confirmations Output sends. Store these images in a dedicated folder along with your proof of postage, creating a complete cancellation documentation package.

Review your payment method

Check whether you signed up through Output directly or via a third-party platform. Some users subscribe to Arcade through plugin retailers or bundle services, which means cancellation must go through that third party rather than Output. Verify where your charges are coming from by reviewing your bank statements.

If you used PayPal for your subscription, log into PayPal and cancel the recurring payment agreement there as well. This provides an additional safety layer preventing future charges, even if there's confusion about your cancellation letter.

Consider alternatives before cancelling

Whilst this guide focuses on cancellation, former members often mention they wish they'd explored certain alternatives first. If cost is your concern, calculate whether you're actually using enough samples to justify the subscription. Some users find they only actively use Arcade once or twice per month, meaning they'd be better served buying individual sample packs as needed.

However, if you genuinely love Arcade's workflow and sounds, consider whether you could reduce other expenses instead. Several former subscribers mentioned they cancelled Arcade only to miss it significantly and resubscribe months later, ultimately wasting money on the gap period.

Learn from common mistakes

The biggest mistake I see is users assuming they've cancelled when they've only deleted the plugin from their computer. Uninstalling software doesn't cancel your subscription; the charges continue regardless. Always follow through with formal cancellation procedures.

Another frequent error is forgetting about free trial conversions. If you signed up for a free trial and didn't cancel before it ended, you're now on a paid subscription that requires proper cancellation. Don't assume that because you never "officially" subscribed, you won't be charged.

Finally, many users cancel via online methods but never receive confirmation, then assume everything is sorted. When postal cancellation is available, use it for the certainty it provides. The small extra effort of sending a letter can save you from months of unwanted charges and the headache of chasing refunds.

Remember that cancellation is a normal part of subscription management. Whether Arcade no longer fits your workflow or you're simply managing your budget more carefully, following these steps ensures a clean break without financial complications. Keep all your documentation organised, allow plenty of time for postal delivery, and verify that charges have actually stopped before considering the matter closed.