Cancel Output Arcade: The Right Way

How to cancel your Output Arcade subscription and reclaim your money

About Output Arcade and why you might want to cancel

Output Arcade is a cloud-based music production software subscription that gives you access to thousands of curated audio samples, loops, and professional instruments. The service operates through a desktop plugin that integrates seamlessly with your digital audio workstation, allowing you to download and manipulate sounds directly within your creative workflow. If you're a music producer, beatmaker, or composer in the UK, you've likely encountered Arcade during your search for premium sample libraries.

The subscription model means you pay recurring fees to maintain access to the entire library. Once you cancel, the Arcade plugin ceases to function, and you lose access to all content unless you've already exported and rendered those sounds into your finished projects. Many UK subscribers sign up during free trials or promotional periods, only to discover later that the service doesn't align with their production style, budget, or workflow needs.

Whether you've moved to a different sample library, consolidated your software expenses, or simply changed direction with your music production, cancelling Output Arcade should be straightforward. At Tocancel, we've helped thousands of music producers navigate subscription cancellations, and we understand the frustration when services make the process deliberately opaque. This guide walks you through every step, so you know exactly what to expect and can take action with confidence.

Understanding the Output Arcade subscription model

Output Arcade operates exclusively on a subscription basis-there's no permanent purchase option available. You pay monthly or annual fees to access the entire library of sounds, presets, and kits. Your subscription includes unlimited downloads, cloud storage for your favourite selections, and automatic software updates across the platform. However, your access terminates the moment your subscription expires or you cancel, unless you've already rendered those sounds into audio files within your projects.

This access-based model makes cancellation genuinely important. You're not simply stopping a service; you're ensuring you don't continue paying for sounds you no longer need. The key difference is that you cannot "own" the content-you can only use it while you subscribe.

Common reasons UK producers cancel

Producers cancel Output Arcade for several recurring reasons. Financial consolidation is the leading factor-when you're juggling multiple software subscriptions (DAWs, sample packs, plugins), the cumulative cost becomes difficult to justify on a tight budget. Others discover they prefer free or cheaper alternatives, or their music production has shifted to genres where Arcade's library feels less relevant. Some producers build sufficient sample collections from other sources and no longer need the ongoing expense. Whatever your reason, cancelling is your right as a consumer.

Pricing, plans and what you're actually paying for

Output Arcade offers two primary subscription tiers for UK customers, plus a free trial period that converts to paid unless you cancel in time.

What you get with any Output Arcade plan

Regardless of whether you pay monthly or annually, every active subscription includes the full library of sounds, professional presets, and production kits. You also receive cloud storage to organise and sync your favourite selections across devices, plus automatic updates to the plugin itself. The only real difference between monthly and annual is flexibility versus cost savings-annual commits you for 12 months but saves approximately £20 per year.

The free trial gives you full access for 14 days. After that period, Output Arcade will automatically charge your payment method and convert you to a paid plan unless you cancel before day 14 expires. This automatic conversion is critical to understand, as many UK subscribers inadvertently pay for a service they intended to trial only.

Your consumer rights and how they protect your cancellation

Your right to cancel Output Arcade is protected by UK consumer law, regardless of what Arcade's terms and conditions claim.

What the consumer rights act 2015 says

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which is enforced by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and trading standards, you have a legal right to cancel a digital subscription within 14 days of purchase-even if you've used the service. This is called a "cooling-off period", and it applies automatically to all distance contracts (services sold online or by phone).

In plain language, this means: you can cancel and request a full refund within 14 days of signing up, with no questions asked and no penalty. Output Arcade cannot refuse this refund or claim you "used" the service as a reason to keep your money. Your legal position is clear-the law is on your side during this window.

After the 14-day period expires, you can still cancel at any time (particularly if you're on a monthly plan with no lock-in period), but you lose the automatic right to a refund. However, if Output Arcade fails to provide clear cancellation instructions, misrepresents the terms, or makes cancellation deliberately difficult, you may have grounds to request a refund under "unfair contract terms" provisions.

Your right to cancel after the cooling-off period

Once the 14-day window closes, your cancellation rights depend on your plan type. If you're on a monthly subscription with no lock-in period, you can cancel immediately and your access stops at the end of that billing month. If you're locked into an annual plan, cancelling early may mean you forfeit the remainder of your payment-unless the contract terms explicitly allow mid-term cancellation or Output Arcade breaches their service promises.

If Output Arcade makes cancellation deliberately difficult, fails to process your cancellation request, or continues charging after you've cancelled, you can escalate to the CMA or your local trading standards office. They have the power to investigate unfair contract practices and force refunds or contract termination.

How to cancel Output Arcade step by step

Cancelling Output Arcade requires you to contact the company directly, as the service does not offer an automated self-service cancellation portal within your account dashboard.

Cancel during the 14-day cooling-off period

If you're within 14 days of your purchase or free trial conversion, your cancellation request triggers an automatic refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Follow these steps to ensure it's processed correctly.

1. Locate Output Arcade's contact page on their website and identify their customer support email address and phone number.
2. Send a clear, dated email to Output Arcade stating: "I wish to cancel my subscription and request a full refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 cooling-off period. My account email is [your email]. My subscription date was [date]."
3. Keep a copy of your email and note the exact date you send it-this is your proof of cancellation request.
4. Output Arcade must acknowledge your request and process your refund within 14 days of receiving it. The refund should return to your original payment method.
5. Check your bank or credit card statement 5-7 working days after cancellation to confirm the refund has posted.

Cancel after the 14-day period (monthly plan)

If you're beyond the cooling-off period but on a flexible monthly subscription, cancellation is straightforward and you can stop paying immediately after the current month ends.

1. Email Output Arcade's customer support with your account details and state: "I wish to cancel my monthly subscription effective at the end of the current billing cycle."
2. Request a cancellation confirmation email that includes your cancellation date and the final billing date.
3. Wait for confirmation before taking further action-do not assume cancellation until you receive written proof.
4. On your final billing date, verify that no new charge appears on your payment method.
5. Check that the Arcade plugin stops functioning or displays a message indicating your subscription has expired.

Cancel an annual subscription early

Cancelling a locked-in annual plan early is more complex, as you may be liable for the remaining months unless Output Arcade's terms permit early exit. However, you retain certain protections under consumer law.

1. Review your Output Arcade subscription confirmation email to check the exact terms of your annual plan-specifically, whether early cancellation is allowed or if a penalty applies.
2. If you're within 14 days of purchase, email Output Arcade requesting cancellation and a full refund under the cooling-off period, regardless of lock-in terms. Your legal right overrides their contract terms in this window.
3. If you're beyond 14 days, contact Output Arcade and explain your reason for cancellation. Request they apply an early termination clause if one exists in their terms.
4. If they refuse and you believe the contract is unfair (for example, if they make cancellation deliberately opaque or fail to provide clear exit terms), escalate your complaint to your local trading standards office or the CMA.
5. Request a written cancellation confirmation that states the final charge date and confirms no further payments will be taken.

Refunds and what to expect after you cancel

Your refund entitlement depends entirely on when you cancel and the circumstances of your cancellation.

Refunds within 14 days (your guaranteed right)

If you cancel within 14 days of purchase or free trial conversion, you're legally entitled to a full refund with no deductions. Output Arcade cannot claim you "used" the service as grounds to withhold money. The refund should process within 14 days of your cancellation request and return to your original payment method-usually your credit card or bank account.

In practice, refunds take 5-10 working days to appear, depending on your bank's processing speed. If 14 days pass and you haven't received your refund, contact Output Arcade again with a reference number and escalate to the CMA if they don't respond within 7 further days.

Refunds after 14 days

Once the cooling-off period closes, you have no automatic right to a refund simply by cancelling. However, you may be eligible for a partial refund if you're cancelling an annual plan mid-year. Check whether Output Arcade's terms include a pro-rata refund clause (a refund calculated based on the unused portion of your subscription).

If no such clause exists and Output Arcade's contract appears unfair-for instance, if they don't allow any early exit-you can ask trading standards to investigate. They can force a refund if the contract terms breach the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977.

What happens to your sounds after cancellation

After cancellation, the Output Arcade plugin will no longer function, and you cannot access the online library. However, any sounds, presets, or kits you've already downloaded and rendered into your projects remain yours. The plugin simply stops loading new content. Export and save any favourite presets before cancelling if you want to preserve them outside the plugin.

Common mistakes when cancelling Output Arcade

Cancellation can feel stressful, but understanding common pitfalls helps you avoid them and protects your refund claim.

Forgetting the 14-day deadline

Your cooling-off period runs from the date you purchase or the date your free trial automatically converts to a paid subscription. Many subscribers don't realise they're now in paid territory until a charge appears on their statement-by then, the 14-day window may have already closed. Mark your calendar on day 1 of any trial or purchase and set a reminder to cancel by day 13 if you're uncertain about continuing.

Assuming the plugin stopping means you've cancelled

If you uninstall the Output Arcade plugin from your computer or simply stop using it, that is not the same as cancelling your subscription. Output Arcade will continue charging your payment method monthly or annually until you formally request cancellation through their customer support. Deletion is different from cancellation-always send a formal email to ensure the subscription itself is terminated.

Not requesting written confirmation

Verbal cancellations over the phone, or vague email exchanges, leave you vulnerable to disputes. Always request a cancellation confirmation email that includes your cancellation date, final charge date, and a statement that no further payments will be taken. Without this proof, Output Arcade could claim they never received your request. At Tocancel, we recommend screenshotting and saving all cancellation correspondence.

Failing to verify the refund

After requesting a refund, don't assume it's automatically processed. Check your bank or credit card statement 7-10 working days later. If the refund hasn't appeared, contact Output Arcade immediately and ask for a refund reference number. If they ignore you, escalate to the CMA or your payment provider's dispute resolution service.

Comparing Output Arcade to alternatives before you cancel

Before you leave, it's worth understanding whether Output Arcade genuinely isn't right for you, or whether a different plan or alternative service might suit better.

Many alternatives like Loopmasters and Samplephonics use a permanent purchase model instead of subscriptions, meaning you pay once and own the content forever. This suits producers who want to avoid recurring costs. Others like Splice offer freemium tiers, so you can test before committing to paid features. Consider whether a one-time purchase or free-tier service might save you money in the long run.

What to do immediately after cancelling

Once you've cancelled Output Arcade, take these steps to ensure a clean break and avoid surprise charges.

Update your financial records

Mark the cancellation date in your personal finance tracker or budgeting app. Note the cancellation confirmation reference number, the final charge date, and the expected refund date (if applicable). This record protects you if Output Arcade claims later that you never cancelled.

Remove saved payment details

If Output Arcade stored your credit or debit card details, log into your account (if still accessible) and delete your payment method. This adds a layer of protection against accidental re-subscription or billing errors. Even if the subscription is cancelled, removing the payment method prevents unauthorised charges.

Verify no further charges

Check your bank or credit card statement weekly for the next month to confirm no additional charges appear. If a charge posts after your cancellation date, contact your payment provider immediately and dispute the transaction. Most banks will refund unauthorised or duplicate charges within 10 working days if you report them promptly.

Keep samples before they're deleted

Before cancellation takes effect, export any favourite presets, samples, or kits you've customised into standard audio files. Save them to your computer or external hard drive. Once the subscription expires and the plugin stops functioning, you lose access to the library-but anything you've already rendered remains yours indefinitely.

Your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and your refund is secure.

• Check your Output Arcade purchase or trial conversion date to confirm whether you're within the 14-day cooling-off period.
• Locate Output Arcade's customer support email address and phone number on their website.
• Send a clear, dated cancellation email that includes your account email, subscription date, and (if within 14 days) a reference to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 cooling-off period.
• Save a copy of your cancellation email and note the exact date and time you sent it.
• Wait for Output Arcade to send a cancellation confirmation email. If you don't receive one within 48 hours, follow up with a phone call.
• If requesting a refund, check your bank statement 7-10 working days after cancellation to verify the refund has posted.
• Confirm that no new charge appears on your next scheduled billing date.
• Remove your payment details from Output Arcade's system (if possible) to prevent accidental re-subscription.
• Export and save any favourite samples or presets before the plugin stops functioning.
• Keep all cancellation correspondence for at least 12 months as proof of your action.

What to do if Output Arcade refuses to cancel or refund

If Output Arcade ignores your cancellation request, refuses a refund you're entitled to, or continues charging after you've cancelled, you have legal remedies available through UK consumer protection bodies.

Escalate to Output arcade's formal complaints process

Before escalating externally, send a formal complaint letter to Output Arcade's registered address (check their website or Companies House for details). State clearly that you've already requested cancellation via email, include dates and reference numbers, and give them 14 days to respond. Keep a copy of this letter and send it registered mail so you have proof of delivery.

Report to the competition and markets authority

If Output Arcade doesn't respond or continues charging, file a complaint with the CMA, which enforces consumer rights across the UK. The CMA investigates unfair contract terms, misleading practices, and failure to honour cancellation requests. You can file a complaint online at their website at no cost. Include your cancellation emails, proof of charges after cancellation, and any correspondence with Output Arcade.

Use your payment provider's dispute process

Contact your bank or credit card provider and dispute any charges that posted after your cancellation date. Most providers offer "chargeback" protection, which reverses unauthorised or duplicate transactions within 10 working days. Provide your cancellation email as evidence that you didn't authorise the charge.

Seek help from tocancel

At Tocancel, we help UK consumers navigate complex cancellations and escalations. If Output Arcade is unresponsive or refusing your cancellation, we can provide guidance on next steps and help you prepare evidence for a CMA complaint. Visit Tocancel.com for support specific to your situation.

Final steps and summary

Cancelling Output Arcade is your legal right as a UK consumer, and the process should not be complicated or stressful. Whether you're within the 14-day cooling-off period (which guarantees you a full refund) or cancelling after that window, you have clear protections under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

The key to a smooth cancellation is clarity: send a formal email to Output Arcade's customer support, request written confirmation, and verify the outcome on your bank statement. If the service is unresponsive or charges continue after cancellation, escalate to the CMA or your payment provider without hesitation. You do not need to accept barriers to cancellation, and the law is on your side.

At Tocancel, we've supported thousands of UK consumers through subscription cancellations just like this one. Whether you're moving to a different sample library, consolidating your software expenses, or simply changing direction with your music production, we're here to help you navigate the process confidently. Visit Tocancel today for further guidance, and remember: you have the power to cancel, and your money is protected.