Digital BW, The Print

Welcome to the group.

>I just got an EPSON 2400 and am wondering if 3rd Party RIPs 
>such as ImagePrint or QTR are necessary or if the existing 
>drivers are sufficient.

Many just use the Advanced B&W mode of the driver.

The main thing I don't like about that approach is that it uses too much
color.  The color pigments are not as lightfast as the carbon. (Epson LK and
LLK are not pure carbon, but still appear to be good.)  Additionally, the
color pigments suffer from metamerism and possibly other problems.  So,
while we do need some color (LM and LC) in the image to offset the warmth of
carbon, the fewer color pigs in the image the better.

So, while it's slightly more work, I like replacing the yellow cart with one
that has carbon in it.  Carbon is, in effect, a low gamut yellow -- without
the problems of a color pigment.  MIS carbon (LLK or the standard light
carbon I mentioned in a previous post) is ideal for this purpose -- and
cheap in bulk.  (The MIS spongeless carts are excellent. Be sure to have the
correct chip on the cart.  You can re-use Epson chips.  Get a chip resetter
from MIS.)

If the yellow cart has carbon in it, then the ABW mode printing will use the
least amount of carbon.  In fact, an RGB approach might also work.  (It may
even be capable of being profiled with software.  Are you there David?)

Most on this forum prefer QTR for a rip.  It and the ABW mode printing can
be compared by users.  In either case, however, if it were me, I'd replace
the yellow with carbon.  Printers are better when all the jets are being
used.

Good luck with your B&W.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com