JDC1 admirer, Rolf Wenzel, road tests the new hybrid strobe for the first time

Haldern Pop is a cherished gem in the German festival landscape. Historically, relatively unknown artists from the genres of indie rock, singer-songwriter, folk rock and pop perform at this comparatively small festival. Lighting designer Rolf Wenzel has been loyal to the collectively designed festival – whose volunteers are shareholders – for over three decades. This year he was happy to take the opportunity to showcase 12 of the new GLP JDC2 IP hybrid strobes with video function within the lighting design.

However, that hadn’t originally been planned, as Wenzel admits: “I talked to [GLP’s] Toto [Bröcking] about another project and somehow we turned to Haldern Pop, where we have used the JDC1 in recent years. He offered me the chance to test the new JDC2 IP, which I was of course happy to accept.”

The Haldern Pop stage itself was adorned with a type of laced floor, while two of the movable back trusses were equipped exclusively with JDC2 IP, and a further four pieces of the weatherproof (IP65) devices were used on the floor.

Although these extremely versatile hybrids were used purely as a strobe/wash on Haldern Pop, the team still had the opportunity to try out the integrated DigiFX video-like digital effects. “I liked the DigiFX, but ultimately they weren’t really suitable for this festival,” explains Wenzel.

But what does a proven JDC1 fan like Rolf Wenzel, who incorporates the hybrid strobe into practically all his designs, think about its further development?

His reply was unequivocal: “I think the JDC2 IP is great because the output is significantly bigger than the JDC1. The larger plate, and therefore the wider beam, is also a great addition, especially for my application. Now, of course, I fantasise about replacing the JDC1 with JDC2 IP for all the artists I look after, especially since the DigiFX would be a great expansion for two artists, where the 12 LED segments of the JDC1 are sometimes a bit tight.”

He continues: “I was initially a bit sceptical because of the size of the devices, but that quickly disappeared. And ultimately I like the basic option of being able to operate a JDC2 IP like a JDC1 if there is no other way to do it.”

The devices functioned without any problems during the three days of the festival, with no failures. The guest LDs also got along very well with the JDC2 IP.

“[The artist] Faber even had some with him that fit seamlessly into the existing festival design. The devices were very well received everywhere.”

The next Haldern Pop festival will take place from 7th to 9th August 2025. Circumstances permitting, Rolf Wenzel will also be there again as a designer.

“This festival is something special and has grown very close to my heart over the years. I’m looking forward to the next edition, once again featuring the JDC2 IP,” he concludes.