Digital BW, The Print

> I am confused about "profiles" and "curves."  I currently use neutral
> (no tones) B&W inkset.  If I have profiled my printer/paper/ink
> combination, why would I need a curve?

You may not need a curve.  It's just one way to "profile" the inkset.  With
a monotone inkset the main goal is to get an even distribution of print
densities that visually match what you see on the monitor.  

Although the newer inksets I've worked with tend to print reasonably well
with no curves as long as the Epson driver settings are as specified, most
papers print slightly differently.  So, to get the same relative density
(and tone where applicable) distribution across different paper types, and
to achieve a better match to the monitor, I usually have different curves
for different papers.  Lately I've been putting these curves into ICCs,
using Roy's "Create ICC-RGB" program.  However, many using the Epson 220 and
UT-R2 inkset, for example, find that the printer with no curve or ICC prints
about the same as when one is used.

Hope this helps.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com