how to inspect MIDI CC data coming from 3rd Party Plug ins

Hello
i hope someone can help

I am experimenting making my own MIDI control surfaces and was wondering if anyone knew of monitoring or inspecting the data
that comes from the 3rd party plug ins.

I understand that this data can be recorded as automation, although I was wondering if the data that is recorded corresponded to
MIDI CC data

I have written to the 3rd party manufacturers, but they say they do not have any documented info for developers.
So i will have to work out my own method.

Using logic is much easier for this type of thing, as Logic has a midi monitor (called Monitor i believe)
in their environment layer which you can plug into what ever you want in a lot of different ways.

Would be grateful for any help.
Thanks