AGC ADC Integration for Audio

My current audio board is built around a single amplifier stage and, while it works, the mid-range comes out sounding strained and unnatural. I want to retrofit an Automatic Gain Control IC that includes or works alongside an A/D converter so the signal path is cleaner, background noise is lower, and those mids finally feel organic.

Here’s what I need from you:

• Select an appropriate AGC-equipped converter (or discrete AGC + standalone ADC) that plays nicely with the existing amplifier stage and overall supply rails.
• Provide a concise schematic showing how the new IC drops into the signal chain, including any necessary attack/release timing components, input protection, and level-shifting.
• Supply a brief BOM with part numbers that are in stock from at least one major supplier.
• Back your choices with quick calculations or simulation screenshots that demonstrate expected SNR, THD, and how the AGC action removes the mid-band distortion problem I’m hearing.
• Optional but welcome: PCB layout tips for optimal grounding and minimal crosstalk.

I’ll validate the work by breadboarding the circuit and checking that mid-frequency THD is significantly lower and that overall noise floor improves by the predicted margin. If those numbers line up with your documentation, we’re done.