QTR-Quadtone RIP

--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "rmcooke" <rcooke@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
> 
> I'm using a 2200 with the UT-3D inkset and I'm printing onto Premier Alise Photo.  The prints I make with the profile I create come out way too dark.  If I print the image on EEM using a profile made by a list member (thanks Joost!) the print looks great so I'm fairly certain that it isn't the file but something I'm doing when I create the profile.
> 
> The image comes out too dark in all tones.
> 
> According the the QTR-Linearize output the L values are linear.  The Linearize values are:
> LINEARIZE="97.34 92.79 88.96 85.18 80.73 76.94 72.81 68.59 64.43 60.61 56.38 52.41 48.22 44.62 40.98 36.82 32.88 29.33 25.31 21.1 16.1"
> 
> By the way I'm getting a dmax of 1.75 (measured with my X-Rite 400 densitometer).  This paper is a relative bargain at only $0.88/sheet in letter size
> 
> Does anybody have any ideas?

To check that I understand you correctly: if you use the EEM profile on EEM you get a good print. Then, if you try to make an own profile for Premier Alise Photo a print of the same image with the same workflow comes out way too dark. Correct? 

If so, then most likely your printing workflow (usually the largest source of errors) is correct. But please elaborate what you do for verification.

So then your curve creation is flawed somewhere. I'm not sure what to learn from your linearization data. You say "all tones", does include the highlights? Did you follow Tom's manual (my source of inspiration)? Ideally, the stepwedge is already more or less linear PRIOR to linearization. Linearization should be more the fine-tuning part. What L data do you get prior to linearization?
You can adjust the global curve with the Highlight, Shadow and Gamma parameters in QTRGui Curve Creation. I've to admit I find that rather cumbersome though....

Some more possibilities: 
- Be sure you create and print with the same dpi (either 1440 or 2280).
- Do NOT use the Ink limit and Gamma correction sliders under "advanced adjustments"  

Not I'm on holiday now with only limited internet access so a reply make some time.

Good luck

Joost