This or That Questions for Music Production Communities (43+ Ideas)

Looking for a quick way to spark engagement in your music production community? This or That prompts make it easy for members to jump into conversation with fun, low-pressure questions. Use these templates to get everyone talking, sharing preferences, and connecting instantly.

Music Production 43 Templates

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Why This Works

This or That questions work because they lower the barrier for participation. With only two simple options, even shy or busy members can respond quickly, encouraging more voices in the discussion. The playful, informal nature of these prompts makes it easy for people to share opinions without overthinking.

For music production communities, This or That taps into shared interests while celebrating individual tastes. Whether it's gear, genres, or workflow choices, these questions highlight the diversity of your members and spark spontaneous conversations. Over time, regular use of these prompts builds community culture and helps members find common ground.

43 Ready-to-Use Templates

1

Analog synths or digital synths? Which do you prefer?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Analog synths or digital synths? Which do you prefer?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #gear #preferences
2

Headphones or studio monitors for mixing?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Headphones or studio monitors for mixing?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #mixing #workflow
3

Do you start a track with drums or melody?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you start a track with drums or melody?"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #workflow #creative
4

VST plugins or hardware effects?

πŸ’‘ Example: "VST plugins or hardware effects?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #effects #gear
5

Morning sessions or late-night creativity?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Morning sessions or late-night creativity?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #routine #personal
6

Ableton Live or FL Studio?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Ableton Live or FL Studio?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #DAW #software
7

Loops or one-shots for building beats?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Loops or one-shots for building beats?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #sampling #production
8

Do you prefer reverb or delay for space in your mix?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you prefer reverb or delay for space in your mix?"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #effects #mixing
9

Electronic or acoustic instruments?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Electronic or acoustic instruments?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #instruments #genre
10

Produce solo or collaborate with others?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Produce solo or collaborate with others?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #collaboration #workflow
11

Mixing or mastering - which do you enjoy more?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Mixing or mastering - which do you enjoy more?"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #mixing #mastering
12

Do you write lyrics first or music first?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you write lyrics first or music first?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #songwriting #creative
13

Sample packs or original recordings?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Sample packs or original recordings?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #sampling #production
14

Hip-hop beats or house grooves?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Hip-hop beats or house grooves?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #genre #beatmaking
15

Over-ear or in-ear headphones for producing?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Over-ear or in-ear headphones for producing?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #gear #listening
16

Do you prefer to work in silence or with reference tracks?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you prefer to work in silence or with reference tracks?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #workflow #reference
17

Compressors: analog or digital?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Compressors: analog or digital?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #gear #effects
18

Big studio setup or compact home studio?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Big studio setup or compact home studio?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #studio #personal
19

Work with a template or start from scratch?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Work with a template or start from scratch?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #workflow #creative
20

Do you export as WAV or MP3 for sharing drafts?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you export as WAV or MP3 for sharing drafts?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #format #sharing
21

Chill ambient vibes or high-energy bangers?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Chill ambient vibes or high-energy bangers?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #genre #mood
22

Manual automation or use LFOs?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Manual automation or use LFOs?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #automation #technique
23

Favorite workflow: arrange first or sound design first?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite workflow: arrange first or sound design first?"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #workflow #creative
24

Do you prefer to produce with a mouse or a MIDI controller?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you prefer to produce with a mouse or a MIDI controller?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #gear #workflow
25

Work on one track at a time or multiple projects?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Work on one track at a time or multiple projects?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #workflow #productivity
26

Do you use metronome or tap tempo to set BPM?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you use metronome or tap tempo to set BPM?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #tempo #workflow
27

Trap hi-hats or classic rock snares?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Trap hi-hats or classic rock snares?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #drums #genre
28

Do you mix as you go or save mixing for the end?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you mix as you go or save mixing for the end?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #mixing #workflow
29

Favorite inspiration: nature sounds or city noise?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite inspiration: nature sounds or city noise?"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #inspiration #sampling
30

Record vocals yourself or hire a vocalist?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Record vocals yourself or hire a vocalist?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #vocals #collaboration
31

Do you share works in progress or only finished tracks?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you share works in progress or only finished tracks?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #sharing #workflow
32

Favorite DAW view: session or arrangement?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite DAW view: session or arrangement?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #DAW #workflow
33

Mix in headphones or speakers late at night?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Mix in headphones or speakers late at night?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #mixing #routine
34

Do you prefer to quantize or keep your playing human?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you prefer to quantize or keep your playing human?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #timing #workflow
35

Basslines: synth or live bass?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Basslines: synth or live bass?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #bass #instruments
36

Produce with coffee or tea by your side?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Produce with coffee or tea by your side?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #routine #personal
37

Do you prefer to record in one take or layer parts?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you prefer to record in one take or layer parts?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #recording #workflow
38

Acoustic drums or drum machines?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Acoustic drums or drum machines?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #drums #gear
39

Do you back up projects to the cloud or an external drive?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you back up projects to the cloud or an external drive?"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #backup #tech
40

Vocals with effects or clean and natural?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Vocals with effects or clean and natural?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #vocals #effects
41

Do you prefer to work fast or take your time crafting details?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you prefer to work fast or take your time crafting details?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #workflow #pace
42

Do you focus on melody or rhythm first when writing?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Do you focus on melody or rhythm first when writing?"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #songwriting #creative
43

Minimalist mixes or wall of sound?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Minimalist mixes or wall of sound?"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #mixing #style

How to Use These Templates

To use these templates, simply copy and paste your favorite prompt into your community platform of choice. Post during peak activity times to maximize visibility, and consider tagging or mentioning active members to kickstart replies. Encourage members to elaborate on their choices for deeper conversation. Rotate topics weekly or mix in with other post types for variety.

Best Practices

  • Keep questions light and easy to answer.
  • Rotate between different music production topics like gear, genres, and workflow.
  • Reply to member answers to encourage follow-up discussion.
  • Avoid polarizing or controversial topics.
  • Encourage members to share reasons for their choices.

All Platforms Tips

On all platforms, keep prompts visually clear by using line breaks or emojis to separate options. Schedule posts for times when your community is most active. Pin popular This or That threads for ongoing engagement, and use polls or story features where available to boost participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I create compelling This or That questions that reference popular DAWs, plugins, or gear?

To craft engaging This or That prompts, reference industry favorites and polarizing choices, such as 'Ableton Live vs FL Studio' or 'Analog synths vs VST synths.' Highlighting well-known DAWs, effects plugins, or hardware (e.g., 'Shure SM7B vs Rode NT1' for microphones) sparks debate and draws on members’ hands-on experience.

Should I focus my This or That questions on workflow techniques, like 'mixing in headphones vs studio monitors,' or on creative tools like 'sampling vs synthesis'?

Balancing both workflow and tools is effective for engagement. Workflow scenarios such as 'mixing in headphones vs monitors' resonate with producers facing space or budget constraints, while creative tool comparisons (e.g., 'sampling vs synthesis') encourage discussions about production style. Rotate between these categories to maintain variety and relevance.

How do I address potential controversy in This or That questions, such as 'quantized drums vs humanized grooves' or 'pitch correction vs raw vocals'?

Controversial questions can drive participation but should be framed respectfully. Encourage members to share reasons behind their preferences and consider adding a disclaimer about subjective taste. For example, with 'quantized drums vs humanized grooves,' invite discussion on genre or workflow context to keep the conversation constructive.

Can I use This or That questions to highlight emerging technology, like 'AI mastering vs traditional mastering,' and how should I present these topics?

Absolutely! This or That is ideal for gauging opinions on new tech trends. When referencing topics like 'AI mastering vs traditional mastering,' briefly explain each option and invite firsthand experiences. This educates less-informed members and prompts thoughtful discussion about innovation in music production.

Are there ways to tailor This or That prompts for members with different musical backgrounds, such as beatmakers vs singer-songwriters?

Yes, target various subgroups by alternating question focus. For beatmakers, ask 'sample packs vs crate digging;' for singer-songwriters, try 'writing lyrics first vs composing music first.' This acknowledges the diverse workflows in your community and boosts engagement across skill sets and musical roles.

How can I use This or That questions to surface common challenges in music production, like 'fixing in the mix vs re-recording'?

Pose scenario-based questions that reflect real producer dilemmas, for example: 'Do you prefer fixing mistakes in the mix or re-recording the part?' This approach sparks practical advice sharing and reveals common pain points, making your community a valuable resource for problem-solving.

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