Laser Doppler velocimeters (LDV’s) are used as velocity microphones to measure sound pressure level in the range of 90–130 dB, spectral components, and two‐point correlation functions for acoustic noise source identification. Close agreement between LDV and microphone data is observed. Directional sensitivity and the ability to measure remotely make LDV’s useful tools for acoustic measurement where placement of any physical probe is difficult or undesirable, as in the diagnosis of jet noise.