A-law, or A-law companding, is a method used in digital signal processing to optimize the dynamic range of audio signals. It compresses the amplitude of audio signals to reduce the impact of noise and distortion during transmission. This technique is particularly useful in telecommunications, where maintaining audio quality over long distances is essential. A-law is commonly used in PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) systems, especially in Europe and other regions that follow the ITU-T G.711 standard. By applying a logarithmic compression curve, A-law helps to ensure that quieter sounds are amplified while louder sounds are kept within a manageable range, improving overall sound clarity.