Volatile Memory

This is a type of memory usually used in computers and hardware and software samplers whose contents vanish irretrievably if the unit is shut down or if it loses electrical power because of a neighborhood blackout or if the plug is accidentally removed from the power source. Many musicians use backup battery power in case of brief power loss to make certain their samples are not lost, particularly if the samples or programs have been edited. Most synths use internal battery-powered non-volatile memory so that the programs and presets will not be lost once the instrument is powered down.