I just got the activation code mailed to me from Cakewalk.  Is this A NEW version of Sonar? or an update over an already existing one?  I originally purchased Sonar Platinum.  It seems to all look the same to me, so I don't know what's actually different (aside from the DOTA 2 thing, which I care nothing about).  Does this mean that I now have two Sonar's installed?  Or did it just update over the already existing one?
 
Also.  I have had a handful of Waves plugins for a very long time and I'm pretty sure that they're are 32 bit :(  I can still use them in Sonar Platinum (64 bit) but they kind of seem "hit and miss".  The Waves plugins look a bit weird and not like they used to.  I have had a few crashes due to some type of error (I don't remember the specific error code though).  They still "work" but seem to be slower and I have to click off of the plugin to hit play.  Normally I can just hit spacebar to play at anytime while working with a plugin, but not with the Waves ones anymore.  I think it has something to do with them being 32 bit.

One you've installed Sonar Platinum, just launch Command Center and see if there are updates, or not.
 
Most here would recommend using 64 bit plugins in a 64 bit DAW, but if you really want to keep using your 32 bit plugins (while in the transition to 64 bit plugs) you need to use Bitbridge (part of the Sonar program, which can be configured in Preferences - VST Settings) . . . or download JBridge . . . these are designed to give your 32 bit plugins access to more memory than they were originally intended to utilize. Some 32 bit plugins play nice in 64 bit world, some of course do not . . . sounds like you're already finding out which ones work best.

Puggles
 
Normally I can just hit spacebar to play at anytime while working with a plugin, but not with the Waves ones anymore.  I think it has something to do with them being 32 bit.

 
It is indeed due to the plugins being 32bit. When running these plugins under bitbridge, the focus needs to be off the plugin in order for playback to be started using the spacebar. If you have an external controller configured that will still start playback with the plugin in focus.
 
FWIW I found that using only 64bit plugins greatly improved my system stability. It is tough to let go of those favourites though!

tenfoot
FWIW I found that using only 64bit plugins greatly improved my system stability. It is tough to let go of those favourites though!

I love the API-2500 compressor!  I love the algorithms it uses, I've always thought they sounded the best.  The sonitus compressor, I thought it was too hard to find that "sweet spot" and I'm also not a big fan of these new Nomand compressor plugins.  That's just my opinion.

I am assuming you have Sonar on Steam because of the Dota thing you mentioned.
Just add the key you were sent to your Steam Client and you will be set. (Under Games>Activate a Product on Steam)