Time to imitate recording (4)
I believe the answer is:
tape
'recording' is the definition.
(tape recording is a kind of recording)
'time to imitate' is the wordplay.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'to imitate' becomes 'ape' (synonyms).
't'+'ape'='TAPE'
(Other definitions for tape that I've seen before include "Race winning line; record" , "This is often stretched across the finishing line of race" , "Magnetic recording medium; measuring strip" , "Type of record" , "Strip of material (that might be red!)" .)