Digital BW, The Print

...
>on Muse Silver Rag, you feel that ............
>1. UT-3D would give the most "relatively" neutral prints 
>(i assume relative to the paper)???

See http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/3D-Comparison.pdf 
This shows the tonal distributions of R2 and 3D.  I profiled the 3D inkset
to have tones equal to the paper white, until the deep shadows, where I
prefer a cool black.  So, the 3D profiles I make tend to go for that.  There
is carbon in the inkset that could have made the black warmer also.  It
really is a question of how one profiles the inkset.  Of the dedicated B&W
carbon-based inksets, the 3D is the only one that gives fine control of both
the Lab A and B axes.  So, if one is so inclined, the UT-3D inkset can be
very accurately profiled.  The flip side is that the R2 or the ABW of the
2400 are simple and easier to deal with for those who do not do their own
profiling and where I have not yet made a profile.


>2. UT-R2 with EZ/W in the "Y" position would be next ??? 
>(as the R2N may print a little cool)

With the EZ and R2 inksets, the neutral inks are slightly cool on most
papers (as are most brightened papers).  Because the R2-N is the coolest the
inkset can go and many like that tone, it seems appropriate.  I, however,
prefer non-brightened paper, which is warmer.  I also like even with these
inksets the ability to more accurately profile them.  So, I generally put an
EZ-Warm in the Y position.  It not only makes the tonal distributions closer
to what I like on my papers, but it also makes these inksets into de facto
variable-tone inksets, to a limited degree.  (Clayton also has an approach
that puts warm inks in one color channel to give limited variable-tone
control.)

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com