I have been using Sonar 7 for a decade or more. Plugins work fine in this pro version. However, I purchased a Waves CLA Vocals which Sonar 7 Pro would not recognize and it turned out I required Sonar 7e or Sonar Platinum. This is not a very sophisticated plugin just combining four or five essential plugins for vocals into one. I've been trying to find out what is so special about 7e or platinum from Waves and they can't tell me.
Why do I require 7e or platinum to have Sonar recognize this plugin. What is the difference and is there any way around it? 

It maybe due to a version of the VST that 7 wont support. Platinum will support all VST 2.4 and VST 3 plugins. 

Is not 'vst' simply the linking of a softsynth or effects plugin. Would upgrading the VST version actually enhance the plugin function itself? It certainly isn't the size of the plugin, my Sonar VST will even support Omnisphere 2. Sometimes I wonder if designers do this purposely in order to force an upgrade.
 
But, thanks John

 
I take it you meant X3e in your post and not 7e ?  I don't believe there was a 7e, only a 7pe which is what you have.
 

Here's a long shot. Is it possible to upgrade the VST version and use it in Sonar Pro, or is the VST embedded within the Sonar platform?

And, if I'm upgrading, does anyone know if Sonar 8 Pro has the updated VST3 version?
 

I'm talking about the version of VST used. There are different specs for different VST versions. Because Sonar 7 is old its unlikely to support newer VST versions. I know for example Sonar 7 doesn't support VST 3. All development for Sonar 7 stopped before VST3 came out. It may only support VST 2 not VST 2.4. However this is only speculation on my part. I don't recall what version Sonar 7 supported. 
 
 

Thanks Paul. I've been quite satisfied with Sonar 7 Pro so haven't kept up to date with Sonar versions and got Sonar 7e from the Waves site in requirements for CLA Vocals, the plugin I wanted to help produce my vocals. I have a terrible sinus issue and thought this plugin would help. I use my vocals as a guide for young students and I don't want to scare the life out of them. lol

As mentioned, in the Waves spec for CLA Vocals plugin, it included 'Sonar 7e and Platinum. So, don't know what version of VST this plugin requires. It would be nice if they said. I'll go back and search the site to see if indeed they do give the version.

My mistake, Sonar X3e (VST3) is required. Is this version of Sonar their latest? I hate messing with what works.