individual droplet would produce a matrix dot of diameter d4 in a picture element 7 the superposition of three primary colors has been replaced by black ink and two droplets of black ink are applied to form a matrix dot having diameter d1 even though each droplet would itself produce a dot only of diameter d4 thus the diameter of all of the matrix dots 9 10 and 11 are equal in fig3 the constancy of the matrix dot diameters is achieved through a controllable adjustment of the droplet size or through a control variation of the number of individual droplets to be applied to each matrix drop in the first case this is preferable through control of the droplet volume that is through control of the quantity of ink which is emitted with each droplet ejection to be sprayed on the recording carrier since a direct connection exists between the volume of each droplet and the amplitude and duration of a drive pulse for the drive element which produces a droplet ejection it is advantageous to employ variations in either pulse duration or pulse amplitude for controlling the quantity of ink ejected in each droplet both measures have the advantage that no change of the geometry of the ink printing device itself is necessary apparatus for controlling pulse amplitude or level or duration is shown in copending application of artur milbrandt et al ser no 726 494 filed of even date herewith the.