Once the frequency range and sound level range of interest is defined, the next question to ask is, “Where will I use my microphone?”. For most uses, the type of sound field is the main parameter to consider.
The concept of the acoustic field is explained in our related article Measurement Microphones Explained and in the Brüel & Kjær Microphone Handbook - available for free download.
In most cases, once you have defined the application, you can refine and choose between
Finally, remember that choosing a microphone with a larger membrane will generally lower the inherent noise and increase the sensitivity, while microphones with a smaller membrane will be able to measure higher sound pressure levels, have an extended frequency range and be less sensitive to the angle of incidence of the incoming sound wave.