Inside the Stratovarius Sound – Recording & Mixing the Classic Albums

Discover how the classic Stratovarius albums were actually recorded and mixed — from the person who produced and recorded them.

In Inside the Stratovarius Sound, Timo Tolkki takes you inside the recording and mixing process behind the classic Stratovarius sound, including Episode, Visions, Destiny, Infinite and Elements Pt. 1 & 2.

This is not a general recording textbook. It is a detailed look at the real techniques, equipment and production decisions used on the records: rhythm and lead guitars, drums, bass, vocals, keyboards, recording, mixing and mastering.

Learn about the guitar amps and microphones used to create the Stratovarius guitar sound, the recording techniques at Finnvox Studios, drum recording and sample replacement, vocal production, mixing decisions and the practical philosophy behind the records.

Includes 12 original Stratovarius drum samples

The download also includes 12 original drum samples actually used during the Stratovarius recording sessions — not modern recreations or samples chosen because they sound similar.

Inside the book

You'll discover how the classic albums were built in the studio, including:

• Recording and mixing the Stratovarius guitar sound
• The equipment and amplifiers used on different albums
• Drum recording, mixing and sample replacement
• Bass recording and processing
• Lead and backing vocal production
• Keyboards and orchestral elements
• Mixing at Finnvox Studios
• Mastering and final production decisions
• The production philosophy behind the classic Stratovarius sound

107 pages + 12 original drum samples

Written by Timo Tolkki, guitarist, songwriter and producer of the classic Stratovarius albums.

Digital download — PDF + WAV drum samples 19€/22USD