If you're looking to use your Bontempi keyboard with music production software, ensure that the software (DAW - Digital Audio Workstation like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, etc.) is configured to receive MIDI input from your keyboard.
The Bontempi website or user manual for your specific keyboard model may have detailed instructions on how to set up your keyboard with a computer. If you're still having trouble, contacting Bontempi support directly could provide model-specific guidance.
Connecting your Bontempi keyboard to a computer allows you to record music, use virtual instruments, and turn your keyboard into a powerful MIDI controller. While many modern keyboards are "plug-and-play," older Bontempi models like the PM 747 often require a specific Bontempi Keyboard USB Driver to function on modern operating systems like Windows 10 or 11. Where to Download the Bontempi USB Driver
The primary source for official drivers is the Bontempi Support & Drivers page.
Official Software: The installer is typically named BontempiKeyboardSetup.exe.
Windows 10/11 Workaround: Official support for newer Windows versions can be limited. If the official driver fails to install, many users successfully use Tobias Erichsen’s Generic USB MIDI Driver as a reliable alternative. Installation Guide for Windows 10
To get your keyboard recognized as a MIDI device, follow these steps:
Download and Extract: Get the driver from the Bontempi website or a trusted mirror.
Run as Administrator: Right-click the setup.exe or BontempiKeyboardSetup.exe and select "Run as Administrator".
Complete Setup: Follow the on-screen prompts and restart your computer once finished to ensure the registry updates correctly.
Connect Hardware: Plug your keyboard into a USB port. It is best to avoid USB hubs and connect directly to the computer to prevent connection drops. Bontempi Keyboard Usb Driver
Verify in DAW: Open your music software (like Cubase, FL Studio, or GarageBand) and look for "Bontempi MIDI USB Device" or "USB Speakers" in the MIDI settings menu. Connecting Older Bontempi Models (No USB Port)
If your Bontempi model only has round 5-pin MIDI ports (MIDI IN/OUT) and no direct USB port, you don't need a driver from Bontempi. Instead, you need a MIDI-to-USB Interface.
High-Quality Adapters: Using a reputable adapter like the Roland UM-ONE mk2 is recommended, as "cheap" cable splitters often fail to transmit data correctly.
Connection: Plug the "MIDI IN" connector of the cable into the "MIDI OUT" port of the keyboard and the USB end into your PC. Troubleshooting Common Issues
"USB Device Not Recognized": Unplug the keyboard, restart the PC, and try a different USB port.
Latency (Delay): If there is a delay between pressing a key and hearing sound, install the ASIO4ALL driver to reduce audio processing time on Windows.
Missing MIDI Mapper: On older Windows Vista or XP systems, you may need a dedicated sequencer like Jazz++ to properly route MIDI data. Bontempi Keyboard Usb Driver
Bontempi digital keyboards can be connected to a computer via USB to transmit MIDI data for recording and music production. While modern systems may recognize them automatically, older or specific models like the Bontempi PM 747 often require a dedicated driver to be detected as a MIDI device in software like Cubase or Windows Media Player. Driver Installation and Setup
For legacy models and specific Windows configurations, you can manage the connection through these steps:
Official Downloads: Drivers are typically found in the Support/Drivers section of the Bontempi official website. Legacy Installation: Download and run BontempiKeyboardSetup.exe. Select Install Driver and follow the prompts. Restart your computer before plugging in the keyboard. If you're looking to use your Bontempi keyboard
Recognition Check: Without the driver, the device might appear as "USB Speakers" in MIDI settings. Once the driver is correctly installed, it should be listed as "Bontempi MIDI USB Device". Troubleshooting Connectivity If your keyboard isn't being recognized by your PC:
Try Alternative Drivers: If official drivers are unavailable for newer OS versions (like Windows 10/11), some users recommend Tobias Erichsen's generic USB driver as a trusted alternative.
Physical Connection: Avoid using USB hubs; plug the keyboard directly into a powered USB port on your PC.
Software Diagnostics: Run the Windows device diagnostic tool by typing msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic in the command prompt to identify MIDI communication issues. Key Keyboard Features (USB-Enabled Models)
MIDI Compatibility: Most USB-enabled Bontempi keyboards are General MIDI compatible, allowing you to use them as controllers for external DAW software.
Recording and Playback: The USB connection allows for real-time recording of notes and volumes directly into digital sequencers.
Flash Drive Support: Certain models feature a separate USB port for Flash Drives (Pen-Drives) to play MP3 files or store recorded tracks.
If you'd like to troubleshoot a specific connection, what operating system and keyboard model are you using? Bontempi 747 Keyboard - Cubase - Steinberg Forums
For the rare, non-class-compliant Bontempi models (e.g., the Bontempi BS 66 USB, manufactured around 2002–2005), you might need a custom driver. However, Bontempi's original Italian website no longer hosts legacy drivers.
Your best bets:
Pro Tip: Instead of hunting for a lost driver, buy a standalone USB MIDI Host box (e.g., from Kenton or DoReMidi). This device connects to your keyboard's 5-pin MIDI OUT and converts the signal to USB MIDI, bypassing the need for any driver.
Let’s be realistic. Bontempi is now primarily a toy brand owned by Mondo Italia S.r.l. Their customer support is focused on warranty claims for new products (toy drums, xylophones, etc.), not technical support for 10-year-old keyboards.
If you email them, you will likely receive a reply like:
"Thank you for your interest. Our electronic keyboards are not designed for professional DAW integration. We do not provide USB drivers. Please refer to the user manual."
However, it is worth trying. Use their contact form on bontempi.com. Subject line: "Request for legacy MIDI driver for [model number]." Attach proof of purchase (or photo of the serial number). On rare occasions, a support agent may email you a .zip file from their archives.
There are two scenarios where you might need specific software:
If you lost the CD, search for "Bontempi support 2010" on archive.org. Specific models like the Bontempi BT-1000, Elettronica 16i, or Star 16 had dedicated pages with driver packages. Use these keywords:
Many websites claim to offer a specific Bontempi Keyboard USB Driver file. Be very careful. Most of these are fake, repackaged generic drivers, or malware. Bontempi itself (now part of the Dexibell brand) does not maintain a public legacy driver database for every keyboard.
The correct driver for 99% of USB-enabled Bontempi keyboards is the Microsoft USB Audio Class 2.0 Driver (Windows) or the Apple USB MIDI Driver (macOS).