PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) is the standard method for digitally representing analog audio signals. It captures raw, uncompressed audio data by sampling the amplitude of the signal at uniform intervals. PCM is the foundation of CD audio and is the underlying format used within WAV and AIFF containers. Sample PCM files are used to test low-level audio processing algorithms. Developers use them to verify signal processing functions like mixing, equalization, and resampling without the artifacts introduced by compression. They are also used to benchmark the raw data throughput of audio interfaces and drivers.