An input stage of a level converter for converting an ECL compatible signal to an MOS compatible signal is formed as a differential amplifier. The differential amplifier produces a current that is coupled directly to a first transistor of a pair of complementary transistors, during a transition interval, to turn on the first transistor. An output signal of the first transistor is fed back to a control terminal of the first transistor via a first inverter. Consequently, the first transistor is actively turned off immediately following the transition interval. A second inverter and the first inverter form a latch for maintaining the output signal unchanged, after the first transistor is turned off.