thanks for putting this together burnin
Have you had any luck using a normal texture map in the bump channel via the Corona -> Normal option?
I (think) we're supposed to do this but I get very odd results- maybe that's just for max users at the moment?
// updated the file with Corona Normal shader version in Bump channel.
Seems to work fine
i guess - cuz i never use normal maps in context with physically accurate/unbiased rendering (light transport simulation)
imho, it's nonsense, an oxymoron & their use in such way is more problematic than helpful :p
Normal maps are intended to fake light distribution over surfaces (bumps & dents), enhance low poly geometry & in RT game engines.
Same happens here.
eg
As i had IPR running & developing shaders with Corona Normal shader in Bump channel,
after almost every 3rd/4th time the change to shader was made (specifically: swapping RGB channels direction),
IPR first starts to show only raw, flat shaded geometry and needs to be restarted or after a while, Cinema crashes.
PS
File in OP uploaded, updated with Corona Normal shader in Bump channel of Corona Material:
noisetest_B2.7z