Normal Map for Mantra Surface Shader

[garretthoyos]

I don't know why, but I've never successfully been able to import a normal map into houdini from zbrush or mudbox. I've had this issue for a year now, and I always just do bump instead. It works, but I'd rather have a tangent space normal map. Both tangent space and object space appear to screw up the lighting in Houdini renders. I'm using the mantra surface shader, default with houdini 13. 

 

Anyone know how to get this to work without the harsh edges on the shadows? 

 

Image 1 shows how the object looks with a normal map plugged in

Image 2 shows how the object looks with "normal" selected from the drop down menu without the map being checked on.

Image 3 shows how it looks without the normal option being selected from the drop down menu, just regular obj, no maps.

Image 4 shows what I mean by "drop down menu"

 

This is not the problem with the obj or the maps. They work fine in maya. Something weird is happening in Houdini.

 

Thanks!!! 

[Skybar]

I don't think the Mantra Surface supports tangent normal maps out of the box. This thread might help: http://forums.odforce.net/topic/19801-tangent-normal-maps/