transistor base input

Hi all

I have an old analog alarm system. I am hooking up the bell output to
a microcontroller.
Although the output voltage for the bell fluctuates around 6 to 9
volts. I need either a steady 0 or 5v for the input of the
controller.
I made a circuit with 2 2n222 transistor, acting as an inverting
gate. The problem is that the spec *** of these and most transistor
have a Veb of 5 volt. my Ve is at ground therefor my Veb exceeds
this. any ideas on how to get pass this issue.
Thought about a voltage divider at the output of th bell , but I am
scared that if voltage drops a bit below 6v, the inverter will not
pick it up as positive voltage.
thanks
k
.