What is provided are a novel system and method for determining a sensitivity matrix for adaptive color control in a color marking device capable of performing device independent color correction. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to what control operation the color marking device is being characterized for. Nominal CMYK values are then selected based on the determined control operation. If the control operation is a gray balancing operation, the nominal CMYK values are selected using C=M=Y=L* and K*=0 values. Otherwise, the nominal CMYK values are selected using a CMYK to L*a*b* printer map. Color parameters are determined for the CMYK values based on the selected nominal CMYK values. A sensitivity matrix is then generated from the color parameters and CMYK values. The method facilitates calibration of dynamically varying color reproduction devices.