Absence of ABW

[FrankG]

I have the P400
Unfortunately no ABW mode
To get neutral B&W prints are there any settings &/or tweaks.
I do use icc profil/s to match the paper
For example in Ps>Edit>Col Settings - Do I set my Gray to Dot Gain 20% or Gray Gamma 2.2 ?
I calibrated the display &set the gamma  to 2.2
I’m on an iMac

[digitaldog]

Go here, try this: https://epson.com/epson-print-layout

[FrankG]

I d/l EPL and printed a few tests.
Not from a file files specifically designed as a target for checking neutrality, just landscapes of mine.

Unfortunately not much, if any, improvement. Viewing under 5oook .
I know that ideally, if one can afford it, a RIP program & custom icc for each paper is necessary.

Not sure how EPL can improve the results that I get without it?

[digitaldog]

And NOT viewing under those lights, viewing, say, outside?
Nothing will fix (possible) metameric failure.

[FrankG]

Yes viewing at a large north light window, it's a clear day.
There IS some improvement compared to printing through Ps - same image, same paper, same icc.


I subsequently found the attached test image, thinking I neeed a more reliable 'neutral' picture than my own
WAY better result.
Now I need to see why my image isn't as good as this, leading me down the proverbial rabbit hole.

[FrankG]

As a process of elimination, are these settings correct?

[digitaldog]

ABW doesn't use profiles. You must use Printer Managed Color.

[FrankG]

Do you mean EPL?
P400 doesn't have ABW

[digitaldog]

This is what I mean (and PS has nothing to do with it):

[FrankG]

Ok.
In EPL select Printer Managed Color
Tight?

[digitaldog]

Ok.
In EPL select Printer Managed Color
Tight?

Select what I showed you in the screen capture. It should be there.

[FrankG]

No Your arrow points to ABW which I don’t have in the P400

[FrankG]

This is what I have

[PeterAit]

Some printers have a "use black ink only" option that is set in the printer driver.